The exceptionally vibrant Northern Cardinal, with its signature bright red feathers and orange bill, holds a distinction that no other bird can claim: it is the state bird of seven states (Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina)!

Ranging throughout the midwest and eastern states, it is also found in southern Arizona and northern Mexico, as well as most of Texas. This finch, for the northern cardinal is indeed a finch, is popular wherever it is found. Of course, you don’t always find it perched on cactus, as is the case here. This fine fellow stopped for a while in the crook of a piece of cholla cactus, making this a uniquely southwestern piece.

This bird does not migrate, meaning you can hear its clear call of “cheer cheer cheer” or “purty purty purty” year round, lending cheering and prettiness throughout the year. Best of all, the northern cardinal population is on the rise, and there are no conservation issues with this fine bird.

The next time you see a flash of red pass by, it just might be the cardinal, heading out to forage, or perhaps returning to its nest, but in any event, adding joy and beauty to the day.

You can purchase this piece at David Schneider Photography.

Monumental Sunrise

The air, like everything else, was completely still. Perhaps it was the chill of the pre-dawn morning that kept it quiet. Perhaps it was the anticipation of the spectacle that was to come. Either way, the anticipation grew as the first faint glow appeared over the distant horizon.

It took just one glimpse to realize that this morning was going to be a special one. There was a certain reddish hue that foreshadowed the true reds that would be coming soon. The quietness continued as the distant glow quickly grew in intensity.

In what seemed but a moment, the sky was filled with cacophony of intense reds, oranges, and yellows as the fiery dawn stormed over Monument Valley. The stalwart buttes called The Mittens stood strong against the onslaught, but even they were overwhelmed by the intensity. Preferring to pick a different battle, they stayed dark and silent, their silhouettes providing a stark contrast to the maelstrom above.

As quickly as it came, the dawn slipped away into full daylight. The clouds dissipated into wispy strands, allowing the blue skies to have the day. It was a monumental sunrise to remember.

You can own a signed copy of this photograph! It is available from David Schneider Photography.

The allure of the canyon was penned by none other than Zane Grey, who hunted and fished through this area. It became the backdrop and the setting for his seminal Call Of The Canyon, and today every person who sets foot here is forever changed. There is, perhaps, no place quite like here, where the very serenity instantly becomes one with you. The quietness is complete, and even the birds calling to one another nestle into the backdrop of peace. The creek flows onward, crystal clear, and its suburb reflections give you a moment to reflect as well.

The canyon’s call, although not heard, is profoundly felt by all who come near. And upon departure, the calling is even stronger, leading you back.

The hunter stealthily tailed its prey. The hunted, in this case a rabbit, was blithely unaware of the mortal danger it was in. Make no mistake about it: it was in mortal danger. The rabbit meandered to and fro, looking for a tasty patch of green to nibble on. The hunter followed slightly behind moving in absolute silence and deadly intent. The hunter was in no hurry, for it knew it be patient while on the hunt.

Whether the rabbit caught the hunter’s scent or rather by pure luck, it chose that moment to run as fast as it could away from the bobcat. Deciding to not give chase for whatever reason, the bobcat simply sat where it was an assessed its situation.

Then it looked back at me, and I knew immediately what the rabbit felt. The gaze between the bobcat and I was riveting. While I was sizing up the bobcat for this photograph, the bobcat in turn was certainly sizing me up to take the place of the intended rabbit. It was a most uncomfortable feeling, and I have the distinct impression that had I been a bit smaller, the result of the encounter would have been different.

As it turned out, though, the big cat stood up, swished its tail as only cats can do, and continued the hunt.

Deep within Canyon de Chelly lie the ruins of Casa Blanca–the White House as it is sometimes known. It is a proud and iconic place, with its history dating back to approximately 1075AD. It derives its current name from the Navajo appellation Kiníí’ Na’ígai, or “house with white streak across.” This location holds deep significance to the Navajo, and holds supernatural powers. It figures prominently in the origin of the Nightway Ceremony and possibly others as well.

Although it was not not built all at once, the White House was steadily expanded upon over the years until its eventual abandonment. It shows several styles of architecture and construction, spanning from very early Navajo to later Mesa-Verde and Chacoan style techniques.

This photograph represents one of the classic views of this incredible location. The orange and red tones change throughout the day as the sun transits the canyon walls. Today the ruins stand as you see them here; the echoes of the past swirling around and through them, and unto us today. Now preserved and protected for all to see, Casa Blanca stands as a testament to our early beginnings.