Leap of Faith

House Finch‍ ‍Ash Canyon, Arizona

Early in my bird photography hobby I was at the Ash Canyon bird sanctuary outside of Sierra Vista, Arizona photographing everything I could get my camera on, even this common House Finch. The bird launched into flight just as I snapped the shutter.  The perfect lighting through the wings gave it an almost spiritual appearance. That spiritual look and the launch from the tip of a twig into empty space brought to mind a leap of faith. 

Moments like these are why I always look forward to returning to southeastern Arizona. I’m heading back to Sierra Vista the first week in August for the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival 2026. I hope to come home with plenty of beautiful photos and stories to share through Bird of the Week.

This photograph, Leap of Faith, is currently on display at Sumac Cottage as part of the Plumage exhibit running concurrently with the Black Belt Birding Festival. Be sure to visit the gallery and look up Leap of Faith if you’re at the festival.