I grew up in Michigan. I loved watching the birds who came to our gardens and trees in my family's back yard. This one and his mate were spectacular in the winter against the snow.
I never would have thought to paint one, though, until a special request came in last week. I "googled" Cardinal on the Internet, and he is called northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis).
I'll deliver some cards to Made in Chico tomorrow and he will be among them. I thought I would add this pretty guy to my Etsy site today too.
For now, he is perched on a branch of almond blossoms because I had them in my archives. As we approach the cooler months, though, you can look to find him on pine branches or maybe a bush with berries. He will be fun to feature in December. We have big plans for this pretty bird.