The Northern Cardinal, also known as cardinalis cardinalis by the scientific community, is omnipresent here in Pennsylvania and in many parts of the world. The male of this species sports the iconic bright red feathers that most of us think of when we picture a cardinal, but the females are beautiful in their own right -- they are usually pale brown with warm hints of red, orange, and yellow. The cardinal's habitat preference is wide-ranging, which is why so many of us have the pleasure of spotting these brilliant birds outdoors: cardinals can be found in thickets, gardens, towns, and the edges of woodlands. Further, the rich, cheerful song of the male cardinal is a favorite among bird lovers -- cardinals learn different songs from their environments, so each cardinal usually has its own unique and recognizable tune. When raising young, cardinals mate for at least a year and sometimes for life, and both the male and female work to feed and care for their fledglings. 

For many, cardinals symbolize love, devotion, and courage. They are monogamous birds who are devoted to their mates and their offspring, making them representations of togetherness and romance. There is also folklore shared by many cultures which implies that cardinals represent the presence of loved ones who have passed away. Whenever I see these birds outside my window (and I was visited by many while creating samples for this collection), I feel a heartwarming sense of connection to those who have made me who I am today. These pieces would make the perfect gift for anyone who feels a special bond with loved ones they have lost. As the saying goes, "Cardinals appear when loved ones are near."