Northern Cardinal by Steve Bell

 

 

There are few more recognisable and impressive-looking North American birds than Northern Cardinal. Photographer Steve Bell has paid homage to this iconic species in our latest Photo of the Week winner, which showcases a male cardinal set among a snowy scene in Indiana.

This terrific image is a good example of how impactful bird photography doesn't always need to show the subject in a particularly dynamic pose, or be one of those 'lucky' split-second behavioural shots which require being in the right place at the right time. Instead, a little thought about composition and subsequent cropping can go a long way, and by framing the bright-red cardinal 'peeping' over a bank of snow, then cropping the image portrait-wise, Steve has created a very memorable image.

 

Other notable images

 

Black-headed Gull, St Ouen's Pond, Jersey (Romano Da Costa).

Hen Harrier, Undisclosed site, England (Jeremy Mcclements).

Goosander, Sheffield, South Yorkshire (Tom Hines).

Gadwall, Salford, Greater Manchester (A Dancy).

Pied Bush Chat, Ma'or, Haifa (Amir Ben Dov).

Waxwing, Sighthill, Lothian (Jack Bucknall).

Fieldfare, Shepley, West Yorkshire (Tim Melling).

Bearded Tit, Boyton Marshes RSPB, Suffolk (John Richardson).

Iberian Magpie, Lagoa dos Salgados, Algarve (Carl Corbidge).

Jackdaw, Youghal, Cork (Tom Kennedy).

Eurasian Bittern, Far Ings NR, Lincolnshire (Glyn Sellors).

Sabine's Gull, Langstone Harbour, Hampshire (Lee Fuller).

Razorbill, Crookhaven, Cork (Richard Mills).

Northern Pintail, Keyhaven Marshes, Hampshire (Chris Rose).