Good Luck Cardinals in the Library

Happy New Year! We're starting the year off by sharing Audubon's Cardinal Grosbeak (plate 159) in our reading room. The bright red cardinal is the male, and the female, with the red-tinged wings, is perched below. Both are shown in the branches of the wild almond tree.

Cardinals are considered by some to be a symbol for the New Year, since they represent hope, joy, and good luck. In Massachusetts, these are year-round birds, and with their vibrant red color they can look especially striking against snowy scenery or winter's grey days. You can read more about the cardinal and hear its bird call on the Mass Audubon website.

Curious about the Audubons that were exhibited in Januaries past? In 2024 we displayed the Snow Quail, a northern bird which turns white in the winter to camouflage itself into its snowy surroundings! And in 2023, we shared an adorable pair of puffins. 

Visit us from January 8 through February 11 to see the cardinals on display.

Elizabeth Roscio

Preservation Librarian