Ok everyone shut the fuck up and please look at this incredible awkward teen bird

I've gotten both a baby and now a teen cardinal on my lifer list, I'm so stoked lmao Ok so like, a month ago I photographed a baby cardinal who was learning how to fly and was this awkward little frumpy mess - but today?? TODAY I GOT TO SEE THEM MORE GROWN UP and it's fucking glorious. Please observe!!! The color mixes from molting, the lack of proper crest, the way it looks like they decided to go Mohawk but cowarded out at the last minute. The way it looks like it's unsure of what it even is. I love this thing so much. I'm so happy. There is good in the world and it's awkward between-stages of birds. 10/10, no notes.