Recently I was made aware of another incredible example of the invasion of Northern Cardinals we are experiencing in New Brunswick this fall and winter. For more information on Northern Cardinals in general and on the invasion see two previous posts on this blog. To find them search for: 5 January 2017 'Northern Cardinal'; and 9 December 2020 'Northern Cardinal - An Invasion'.
The large number of Northern Cardinals which is the subject of this blog has occurred in Burtts Corner, York County, NB, late this fall and is ongoing. It is at a house in the village which is semi-urban and the lot backed up by a coniferous forest and open area beyond that. The people where the cardinals have chosen to reside are bird-loving and have several feeders filled with black oil sunflower seeds. The yard also has many perching areas and a lot of low cover, an ideal place for cardinals. But still, this is New Brunswick and we don't normally have large numbers of cardinals. We usually have a scattering of pairs and individuals in urban areas in the south of the province, more in the west than in the east. But this year is unusual!
This house in Burtts Corner has been blessed with the invasion of 15 Northern Cardinals! Not all have remained but daily after a few weeks they still have 5 to 9 individuals feeding and resting in their back yard. As you would expect, this has caused a great deal of excitement. The Northern Cardinal can do that. On many occasions I have been invited to come to people's yards to watch their cardinals. What a treat, some calling it 'eye candy'. The people where this group of cardinals now resides have been very generous with their information for which I am thankful. Below is a video showing at least 6 Northern Cardinals coming to feed both at the feeder and on the ground.
Numerous Northern Cardinals At Feeding Area [Julie Sproul Video]There have been other reports of large numbers of Northern Cardinals gathering at backyards in the province. In early fall a group of 13 were at a St. George feeding area. And, in December a group of 11 were at another backyard bird feeding area in Miramichi City. The invasion of this species is certainly related to the many bird-feeding areas in the province. But, it also reflects a huge increase in population elsewhere causing the species to expand its range by movements into new areas and habitat. Whatever the reason, we are delighted to have them. Already we are hearing their cheerful song and the spectacle of them coming onto the snow to feed.
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