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Born and raised in Nova Scotia, I’ve always had a special connection with birds. Even as a child, I noticed their beauty and presence all around me. While raising my family, I began hanging bird feeders and was delighted by the many visitors they attracted. Over the years, I grew more and more curious about the different types of birds—always hoping to catch a glimpse of the brilliant red crest of a Northern Cardinal, though they were rare in the suburbs where I lived.

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One summer, while visiting my mother in Ontario after she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, I experienced a moment I’ll never forget. As we sat together on the deck, enjoying the warm afternoon, a flash of red caught my eye. A Northern Cardinal landed in the cherry tree nearby, its vibrant feathers glowing in the sun. That magical moment, shared with my mom, became a memory I will always hold close. She passed away soon after, and in time, Cardinals began appearing back home in Nova Scotia.

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Today, I’m blessed to have a pair—a male and female—that return to my yard year after year. In Native spirituality, Cardinals are believed to be messengers, letting us know that a loved one is near and at peace. With my growing admiration for these extraordinary birds, I felt called to share the same comfort and hope they’ve brought me.

 

That is how Tammy’s Cardinal Comforts was born—a space to celebrate the beauty of Cardinals and the gentle reminder they bring that love is never far away.