Fantastic piece on how cardinals became part of teh landscape! That northward expansion story is kinda wild when u think about it. I remember reading somewhere that bird ranges shift slowly, but cardinals managed to colonize new territory in just a few decades partly because suburns gave them exactly what they needed. The story about seeing that first scarlet bird at the feeder is what sold me.
Thanks, RG. It’s an easy pleasure to have what’s become commonplace raised to a special place again. I’d forgotten how recently Cardinals have become expected, along with their songs as signals of early spring. Best wishes for 2026.
Very interesting post and lovely photos. The Cardinal is the bird I would most look forward to seeing if I ever visit north America again. (I didn't see any when I visited California as a child.)
Thanks Richard, we also have 3 pairs of cardinals this winter on our feeders…so beautiful to see.
Fantastic piece on how cardinals became part of teh landscape! That northward expansion story is kinda wild when u think about it. I remember reading somewhere that bird ranges shift slowly, but cardinals managed to colonize new territory in just a few decades partly because suburns gave them exactly what they needed. The story about seeing that first scarlet bird at the feeder is what sold me.
Thanks, RG. It’s an easy pleasure to have what’s become commonplace raised to a special place again. I’d forgotten how recently Cardinals have become expected, along with their songs as signals of early spring. Best wishes for 2026.
Thanks Tim
Very interesting post and lovely photos. The Cardinal is the bird I would most look forward to seeing if I ever visit north America again. (I didn't see any when I visited California as a child.)
Come to Montreal next time, plenty in our garden