Photo © Marcus Sharpe

Home Run, Cardinals!

The first record of 2013 has officially been broken! Entries for Northern Cardinal nests have just surpassed their highest level in NestWatch history. Great job, everyone! Until as recently as 2005, there were no Northern Cardinal nests being reported to NestWatch. Our database has grown from 1 nest in 2006 to last year’s high of 77. NestWatchers have already recorded over 100 attempts so far this year. The state with the most cardinal nests is currently Texas.

Shortly after the record for Northern Cardinal was broken, that of the House Finch was also shattered. The previous record of 100 nests was just surpassed with a comfortable lead. Would you like to find a Northern Cardinal or House Finch nest? Review our focal species page for tips on where to look, and learn about their breeding biology.