Text and photographs by Boysenberry45

The end of August is molting season in Central Park for Northern Cardinals, when they replace old feathers with new ones.

Birds molt because, over time, their feathers get damaged by UV rays or worn out by flapping and lose their ability to insulate the bird, as well as becoming less aerodynamic. In the case of male Northern Cardinals, which are usually brilliant red, old, dull feathers also make it harder to attract a mate.

All birds molt their feathers, but the frequency and scope can range from a full or complete molt for seasonal breeding plumage to a partial molt to replace damaged large flight feathers. Every bird’s first molt is the loss of the initial nesting, fluffy down feathers.

Northern Cardinals go through one complete molt each year i

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