Spring is the time for bird-song. Although it hardly feels like spring, the heat hasn’t stopped the birds from singing. If you haven’t ever tried to learn birds apart by their voice, this year might be the time to try. Following is a very brief list of the birds we have heard ( and seen ) here at Luna’s Trail this season. I won’t try to describe their songs but will instead suggest you check out Cornell University’s library of bird songs. If you accompany vocal recognition with some practice using a pair of binoculars and a decent guidebook ( my favorite is Peterson’s Guide to Birds of the Eastern United States ), you should not have any problem positively identifying the following species and more.
Why learn to love birds?
Why, you might ask, should I bother learning the birds of my region? This is a fantastic question to which there is a litany of potential answers – birds are incredibly interesting in their behavior and physical variation, some species are indicative of the ongoing health ( or loss of health ) in our environment, research shows that spending some time every day relaxing in a nature-based pursuit is beneficial for stress and illnesses that result from stress – but ultimately the best reason I can give you to take some time out to watch the birds is that you’ll love it if you do. Your reasons will be all your own so just give it a try and see what happens.
Birds you are likely to see and hear in our region in the Spring:
Yard birds – Cardinal, Mockingbird, Carolina Wren, Mourning Dove, Starling, Bluejay, House Sparrow, Downy woodpecker, Hairy woodpecker, Common Flicker, Chickadee, Titmouse
Meadow birds ( often at the edges of forest ) – Eastern Bluebird, Goldfinch, House Finch, Field Sparrow, Goldfinch, Indigo Bunting
Forest birds – Whip-poor-will, White-eyed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Brown Thrasher, Wood Thrush
Sky birds ( you probably won’t see these birds on the ground or in a tree ) – Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Red-Tailed Hawk, Red-Shouldered Hawk, Canada Goose
Take the first step.
It might be a good idea to take your first few outings with someone experienced in bird watching as a few positive identifications make it a lot more fun. Feel free to schedule an outing with Nathan at Luna’s Trail. Leave a message at 336.351.1050. We hope to see you soon!
