Thank Goodness for Cardinals ❤️

Male Northern Cardinal by Marc Sardi

In 1849, a charismatic vermilion passerine makes its appearance in Canada: a Northern Cardinal is collected in Chatham, Ontario, marking the country’s first mention for this iconic species. Half a century later, in 1901, the first Canadian nest of the species is discovered nearby in Point Pelee National Park. Then, in 1964, a pair establishes on Mont-Royal and nests for the first time in Quebec. Now a common sight in urban and suburban areas of Eastern Canada, their bright colour and cheerful song bring joy to gardeners like me.

Native to the American Southeast, the Northern Cardinal’s range has since expanded northwards at an astonishing speed due to anthropogenic factors such as warmer temperatures, forest habitat fragmentation, and the increased popularity of bird feeding stations.

Female Northern Cardinal by Marc Sardi

Some of these facts were taken, among other sources, from the breeding bird atlases of Quebec and Ontario, two data sets I was fortunate to contribute on while working as a field biologist in a past life. Birds are an integral part of my personal and professional journey. I wouldn’t be the floral designer I am today without them. This is why, from time to time, I may write a few lines about birds significant to my past and present.

This year, the song of the male cardinal has been echoing in my garden since Valentine's Day, when the bird began claiming its territory and pair bonding rituals. The female also sings and it's not uncommon to hear the pair engage in a striking duet. To add a certain anthropomorphic romance to the story, cardinals mate for life.

Cardinals have somewhat become emblematic of my garden and their presence soothes and reassures me. It is no wonder that in North American folklore, the presence of a cardinal heralds hope, strength, and good luck. It is also said that cardinals are messengers from the afterlife,  embodying loved ones that have passed, visiting us to offer guidance, and support during difficult times. In any case, the cardinals of my garden don’t need to embody spirits to make me happy. They simply do.