If you asked our fellow Americans what bird they believe is most deserving of the title America’s Christmas bird, I am sure the majority would say the cardinal.

       I believe this is primarily due to the crimson red plumage of the adult male.  This is important because red is one of the two colors most often used to adorn Christmas decorations, tablecloths, ornaments, Christmas cards, you name it.  In addition, it is also the color of the suit worn by the jolly old elf named Santa Claus. 

       Those of us that live in Georgia are fortunate that we do not have to wait for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver a Christmas card bearing the likeness of a cardinal to see one.  Here in the Peach State the bird is a permanent resident.  In fact, we actually have the opportunity to see more cardinals in our backyards in winter than summer.  This is because during the winter cardinals often join other cardinals to form flocks that move about looking for food.  These flocks can number anywhere from a dozen or less, to more than five dozen birds.  Interestingly a flock of cardinals is sometimes called a college, deck, or Vatican.

       I hope you will see one or more cardinals on Christmas day.  Seeing America’s Christmas Card Bird on Christmas makes this wonderful holiday even more special.

       On behalf of the blog’s sponsor, The Environmental Resources Network (TERN), the blog’s webmaster, Kim Walton, and writer, Terry Johnson, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas.