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.