Hang on, little fluff ball

Once again, the dead pomegranate tree makes an appearance - this time as a place of respite for a young cardinal learning to fly. The parents were circling around and fussing at me for trying to get close enough to take a picture. Once I put (barking) Mili inside, the parents seemed less worried.

Good call.

I think this is a young male whose feathers are beginning to turn into the trademark red. Females are brown with orange beaks.