By Louise Redden

White-breasted nuthatch

The best birding news I have for you is that the Christmas Count data from December 14th – 20th shows that cardinals have increased their northern range.
The bad news is that, according to the Audubon Society, count data reveals an “alarming decline of many of our most common and loved birds.”

On February 15th, I started the “Great Backyard Bird Count.” In its 11th year, the GBBC is a joint project of the National Audubon Society and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It has been cold and rainy with few birds. Among the birds I am enjoying seeing this year are the cardinals, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-breasted Nuthatch, Mourning Dove, Purple Finch, House Finch and all of their mates. It is that time of year.

Red-breasted nuthatch

This year we will be celebrating the northerly migration of birds around May 17th. I’ll put my 2 feeders out in the morning, but take them into the mudroom each night because of our bear population.

Editor’s Note: For more information on the National Audubon Society, visit www.audubon.org. Find out about the Great Backyard Bird Count at www.birdsource.org. ~