Today's public tour, ostensibly focused on Northern Cardinals, was treated to an interesting assortment of birds. Cardinals are of interest to observers of the natural world at this season because this is the time when they begin singing their distinctive territorial call. Of course, our tour heard no Cardinal song. They are more likely to be heard early in the day.
Cardinal song is a good early indicator of seasonal change.
As days lengthen, the cardinal's song can be heard earlier and earlier in the day. The frequency of singing at other times of day also increases. As we watched, a second Great Horned Owl flew from close by and circled through the woods. The pair put on a fine show for us. December-January is their normal time for courting and territory establishment.