Pyrrhuloxia. [peer-uh-lox-ee-a]
Ridiculous name. But it has an excuse. It’s Greek. Stands for: “flame colored bird.” (Or something.)
It also goes by Desert Cardinal.
Or Texas Cardinal. (But Only in Texas please.)
It looks a lot like a Northern Cardinal. Especially the female. But it’s not. Separate species.
If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. It’s a southwest specialty. Its range is through the southernmost parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
And those parts seem to be very proud of it. Gift shops there are packed with artful images. Everything from 24x36 canvases to bathmats. And some aren’t cheap. Like $149 not cheap.
Now I hate to sound envious.
But I am.
I’m wondering if I haven’t been doing this for the wrong reason. I thought it was supposed to be fun. I didn’t know the point was to get rich. Here I’ve just been giving my stuff away.
Selling Pyrrhuloxia art is probably how those dudes with the $10,000 lenses do it. Maybe I should try it. My pictures are as good as theirs. Well some of them. Maybe.
And Costco isn't particular. If you send them a good or not so good image, they'll still put it on a 24 x 36 canvas for just $28.89. (There’s a sale on now).
But I see a problem....I’d have to sell 714 them at $149 (plus shipping) to buy that snazzy lens. A little distant goal than I thought.
Well. Rats!
It doesn’t look like I’ll be taking orders anytime soon does it?
If that's the case there's only one thing to do? Keep giving them away. Oh well. I don't mind. In fact I’m perfectly OK with it. I’m a generous person after all. Sharing's good. Right?
So. Here you go. Free photo. That’s right. Absolutely free. Download it. Print it. Do whatever you want to it.I don't care. It’s yours. Go ahead. Take it!
Just don’t say I never gave you anything. : )
Distinguishing Marks: mostly gray. Red belly, face, chest and topknot. Red on wings and tail. Yellow-orange beak. Partial to cactus and mesquite.