Pyrrhuloxia

Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus)

Place: Sweetwater, Tucson, AZ
Date: January 9, 2010
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (2x), G1325, RRS BH-55, Sidekick
ISO 200, aperture priority matrix metered, 1/1000th sec @ f/5.6, -1/3rd ev
Raw, PS CS3, Mac, 67% of frame

I’d forgotten about this image until it popped up at random on my desktop.

Pyrrhuloxias are close relatives of the popular Northern Cardinal, and are sometimes called “desert cardinal.” Phoenix is near the northern limit of their range so I don’t see them as often as I’d like to.

This bird was in Tucson where I’d gone to. take a break from my normal hang outs. Sweetwater is another urban waste water recharge facility – older and smaller than the Gilbert Water Ranch with more mature trees.

I like how the bird is completely in the open and shows bright red plumage yet blends in so well with the color of the brush.

As always: honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated. Please view the larger image before critiquing if possible.