They say you always remember your firsts (or someone else remembers them for you). It’s true.

First kiss, first job, first car, first word, first steps — all are unforgettable. For birders, firsts are important for their lists and for their year. Many follow the tradition of identifying and noting their FOYs. FOYs are first-of-year birds, and these sightings can happen at any time. 

You are not likely to get your FOY osprey until at least the end of March (unless you are planning on traveling south), or more likely, April. There is a special tradition, however: a practice of recording New Year’s FOY birds and auguring the meanings that come with those sightings.

If you didn’t know this tradition was in play on New Year’s Day, just wake up on the first day of 2025 (or as soon as you read this column) and look for a bird. The first one you see could preview, predict and portent what type of year you will have, or even what qualities you should value, learn or improve upon. 

Take meaning from symbolism, bird behaviors or even doing research and relating it to your own life. The very word “augury” comes from the ancient practice of interpreting birds’ behavior.

Chickadees are a common winter bird easily seen outside of the window. These little birds are symbols of spring, and are considered cheerful, brave and social. If you observe one first thing, you can take on, or strengthen, these traits. And maybe since our Island chickadees sing a song unlike mainland birds, we should value our local Island distinctness and dare to be different.

Goldfinches are another easily observed winter bird. They breed later in the year than many birds, are almost exclusively vegan, and molt two times per year instead of the usual single molt of many species. We can learn from them by embracing change (whether of clothes or lifestyle!) and not needing to abide by anyone else’s timetable. But let’s also hope that a goldfinch sighting doesn’t portend the coming of an alpha-gal allergy — and, with it, a vegan diet.

If you are seeing red — a nice, bright male cardinal — conventional wisdoms suggests that these stand-out birds symbolize grace and integrity. You should see them fairly easily against the white and grey winter backdrop. Female cardinals, though more muted in color, are among the more vocal female North American songbird species. They will sing while on their nest to tell their mate when she wants food or when she wants him to stay away. A good plan for protection of those babes in the nest. Maybe, follow her lead and be more communicative with your spouse and clearly articulate your needs.

A blue jay, it is said, might portend good humor or intelligence, perhaps telling us to laugh more and dive into intellectual pursuits. Blue jays also can mimic the call of hawks, so go big (even if you are not) and act bold this year (or at least pretend you are).

Looking up, you may see (as our ancestors did) waterfowl which portend good luck and good fortune in the new year. It might be a fortuitous time to buy a lottery ticket if a duck is your first-of-year (FOY) bird. Corvids, including ravens and crows, are good communicators, and may be telling us to talk and listen more.  

Looking outside for your FOY bird is a fun tradition and an opportunity to look for and listen to the birds among us. You may be surprised at what they tell you if you will only take the time to hear and heed their calls and wisdom.

Suzan Bellincampi is director of the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary in Edgartown, and author of Martha’s Vineyard: A Field Guide to Island Nature and The Nature of Martha’s Vineyard.