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
