Early Spring Birding

This morning I awoke to a 'meep' out in the field. This sound always puts a smile on my face because it is funny sounding and the bird is also awesome. Do you know what bird I am talking about? An American Woodcock. I love this birds cheerful disposition about life and have spent many spring evenings chasing them into the dusk. 

So let's talk about birds. If you have stepped outside in the morning you know spring is coming because of all the singing that is happening outside. Another way to tell that the seasons are changing is that the Dark-Eyed Juncos are back. These small dark birds are a sure sign of season change at my house because they only stop at my feeders on their spring and fall migration before continuing on. 

But how else are the birds telling us winter is over? Many know of the American Robin being a sign of spring when we start to see them in March. Yes, it is always exciting to see the robins back on that bare patch of grass, but it isn't that they are back from some far away land, instead they have just returned from wintering in the woods. American Robins spend their winters flocking in the woods, staying warm and eating berries, but once they see a bare patch of land they will start looking for their main food source, worms. So maybe they are a sign of spring?

But why is there all that singing in the morning? For many bird species the first to return after winter travels are adult males ready to breed. These males will choose the most ideal home they can find then spend their time announcing to everyone 'this is my space stay out'. Females will return by the end of the month, if you listen closely you may be able to hear a change in the songs. When the females start returning the males will start singing about how awesome they are and come check out the awesome home I have. We will talk more about that later this month. 

Now how about that bird sitting in the tree screeching? Oh yes the raptors are migrating too! Now some of our raptors like Bald Eagles, Red-Tailed Hawks, and others, may not have migrated for the winter but instead could have gone where a food source is more accessible like near the rivers. These large birds still need to protect their homes but instead of singing about it, they will sit regally at the top of their tree. By doing this they are showing off to any other raptors migrating through or looking for a new home that this spot is taken keep moving. Remember raptors have extremely good eyesight. A migrating Bald Eagle can see another Eagle staking his land from miles away. 

Finally how can I get out there and see these birds? Well first you can join the Upper Valley Birding Group. This group schedules regular birding trips and are a lot of fun to join. If you are just starting out I suggest joining a group. Being with others will help you ID tricky birds and you might start to learn how to bird by songs alone. If you aren't into socializing while you bird thats okay too. You will need some binoculars, a bird ID book and then you are good to go!

The best place to head out birding is some place quiet. Birders are known to hang out in cemeteries because of the peacefulness there, it is easier to hear and locate a bird. I known wandering around cemeteries can be a little weird so thanks to a Dartmouth Outing book I found at Listen here is a list of other areas to go birding: Mink Brook Natural Area, Ledyard Bridge (water birds), Indian Ridge Drive, Boston Lot Lake, River Road, and Ompompanoosuc River. Really if you are listening you will find birds everywhere, even in West Lebanon. My favorite bird in West Lebanon is the Mocking Bird, listening to them sing their hearts out about car alarms, and horns I think it is so unique and cool!

Do you have a favorite spot to go birding? Do you have a favorite bird you like to see?