The post on 4/23/2014 was about a nest containing two eggs. If you guessed it was a Northern Cardinal nest, you were correct. Today the first egg hatched, after at least 14 days of incubation. (Usually the eggs hatch after being kept warm and turned frequently by the female for 12 or 13 days, but we've had cool wet weather this Spring.)
In the photo at left, we see the hatchling's back side with sparse tufts of grayish down where more feathers will grow. Other than these tufts, the baby bird is naked.
In the photo below, we see the front belly-side of this same baby bird. It already has the distinctive thick bill typical of Northern Cardinals. Note the amazing detail of its feet and claws! Belly is transparent enough to show internal organs. Eyes are not yet open, and it will be very clumsy for a few days but will flail around trying to reach food as a parent approaches.
