molting season for the birds

So I guess breeding is done for our cardinal couple. I read when they molt this is the sign.  Adult birds lose all their feathers gradually and new ones grow in before fall. They get a new set of feathers! Papa cardinal at the feeder eating sunflowers clearing molting. I was wondering why they have been hiding lately. It takes a great amount of energy to molt so they stay inactive, quiet, stop fighting, and hidden during this time to conserve energy while feathers are replaced. Their feeders and water are important during this time so they receive the nourishment they need to grow feathers.