March 18, 2013

Sights and Sounds of Spring

By Iain MacLeod

Early spring birds are already back in New Hampshire. Here’s a few to listen and look for in the coming days and weeks:
  • Turkey Vultures are already back in many parts of the state, including as far north as Tilton and Rumney
  • Bluebirds are already checking out nesting boxes and singing – one was singing at the Science Center on Wednesday
  • Ravens are already nesting – listen for their bizarre “pop” and “click” calls as they tumble in flight overhead 
  • Brown Creepers are already singing in the woods. Listen for their high-pitched warble 
  • Black-capped Chickadee males are already singing their clear two-note whistle 
  • Mourning Doves are cooing and courting (some people mistake their “hoo, hoo, hoo” call for owls) 
  • Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles are back in many wetlands – one was flying over the Science Center on Wednesday
  • Killdeer have been seen in many locations in southern New Hampshire – usually found in muddy fields 
  • Woodcock have also started their spring courtship calls – listen for them at dusk in woodland clearings and meadows 
  • Great Horned, Barred and Northern Saw-whet Owls can be heard calling at night (listen on still nights) 
  • Before the end of the month Phoebes, Pine Warblers and Tree Swallows will have joined the chorus 
Enjoy the spring!

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