A Fleeting Spot of Red

Photo by James Ekins

If a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, how do you value one in a bowl? Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a bright red Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) in a Scottsdale backyard or neighborhood park would simply say "priceless." Although the Cardinal is the official state bird of other states (seven, incredibly) those who live here consider this to be their special vacation spot, and beckon them to prolong their visit with treats that include black sunflower seeds. Their skittish nature helps these brilliantly colored "targets" escape predators, but makes a still photograph very difficult to capture in focus. (And, no, the bird was not named after the football team.)