Greetings birders while discussing bird sighting with the OFO northern ontario birding committee it was suggested that someone should post something about all of the northern cardinal sightings that have been noted in the north. The movement seems to be on a very wide front including Thunder bay to the West and Timmins Cochrane iroquois falls and Hilliardton and Timiskaming area to the East. The numbers are notable as Timmins had16 different individuals being seen and Thunderbay and the Sault had significant numbers as well. Temperatures continue to be mild in the North and Cardinals may have taken advantage of southern winds to disperse to be discovered at northern feeders. Many sightings have been listed on regional facebook groups and may not have been captured on ebird.Hairy woodpeckers are also showing up in large numbers as well to the point where some birders are describing small flocks of hairy woodpeckers migrating south. The Hilliardton marsh research and education centre reports having banded 30 this year well above the 6 bird average they normally band . The previous high was 16 in 2011. The movement of hairy woodpeckers is not restricted to one area of the north and appears to be widespread. The reason for their movement seems to be a mystery but the majority of birds banded were juvenile birds suggesting there may have been an excellent hatch this year and that young birds are on the move. Hoping this post finds everyone safe and enjoying birds wherever you are in the province. Sincerely Bruce Murphy Hilliardton Ontario.