Do you have a favorite Christmas bird?
- Michelle Wood: SWCD
- December 28, 2009
- 751
Some people might think of some of our winter visitors from the north, such as Dark-eyed Juncos, American Tree Sparrows, White-crowned or White-throated Sparrows. Raptor enthusiasts might nominate the beautiful Rough-legged Hawks that favor us with their company this time of year.
Despite the good reasons for choosing any of the above-mentioned birds, or others that would be worthy candidates, my choice is a bird that, if it wasn’t so abundant, would be greeted with awe each time one came into view. You may have guessed that I’m referring to the Northern Cardinal. Seeing one of these beauties, either a male or a female, can brighten up any day, but especially on a snowy Christmas morning.
Cardinals are now one of our most common birds. The Millersburg Christmas Bird Count has been monitoring these numbers over the years, with up to 3,000 Cardinals counted in one day! It wasn’t always that way. When Ohio was being settled, Cardinals were found in the southern part of the state but were uncommon in the northern sections. That has gradually changed as these southern birds have expanded their range to the north.
Seven states, including Ohio, have chosen the Cardinal as their state bird. It seems that people have been fascinated by these lovely birds for a long time. Birds of Ohio, by William Dawson, was published in 1903, and I enjoyed reading what he had to say about the Cardinal. He begins by quoting the poet, Naylor:
“Along the dusty-white river road
The saucy red-bird chirps and trills:
His liquid notes resound and rise
Until they meet the cloudless skies
And echo o’er the distant hills.”
Dawson continues: “Not merely for the splendor of his plumage, but for the gentle boldness of his comradeship and the daily heartening of his stirring song, the Cardinal is beloved of all who know him.”
Long ago, Cardinals were kept in captivity but laws were passed to end that practice and after that the numbers increased. A number of writers mention the fact that both female and male Cardinals sing. Males seem to sing almost all the time during the nesting season. By March, singing is getting started, even if we have a late snowstorm, they know that spring is coming.
There are only three species in the Cardinal family. The second one is called the Pyrrhuloxia, or “desert cardinal.” It looks similar to our Northern Cardinal but can handle dry habitats and open country. You can find them in the southern parts of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. The third member of the family is found in South America.
Best wishes to each of you for a blessed, peaceful holiday season!
Good birding!
To contact Bruce Glick, phone 330-317-7798 or e-mail birderbruce@yahoo.com.