The Symphony of Spring

Each spring birds begin to sing again. Although it can come a little early for some of us (cue the 5am song), it is the surest sign of spring. 

These songs are so ingrained for many of us and even appear in pop culture: movies and television shows. 

We're going to highlight a few of the most iconic sounds of spring, that make up the symphony of spring.  

Song Sparrow singing. Photo by Heather Kerrison. 

Red-Winged Blackbirds 

Red-winged blackbirds are one of the first migrants to return each year. Because they are one of the most abundant birds in North America, their songs can be heard widely. They are commonly spotted along roadsides, sitting atop cattails. Their songs ring through wetlands and marshes, coast-to-coast in Canada.

 

Cardinals 

Male Cardinal perched atop a Sumac tree. Photo by Heather Kerrison. 

Although cardinals stay with us throughout the winter, they begin singing again in February and are one of the first returning songs, amongst house finches, chickadees, and mourning doves. 

Male Cardinals can be spotted perched high up, singing their hearts out. Given their loud song and bright red colour, they are relatively easy to spot. They are one of the first to start singing each morning and the last to stop each night. 

American Robins

It surprises many that not all American Robins leave during the winter. They can be found throughout Ontario even during winter months. To learn more about robins that stay, check out our former blog on the topic here. 

Along with cardinals, they are one of the first birds to begin singing each morning and one of the last to be heard each night. 

Song Sparrows

Song Sparrows are vivacious vocalists, named appropriately. They are one of the most common and abundant sparrows in North America. Although they typically hop of the ground or through low branches, grasses and weeds, males will expose themselves and perch on limbs of small trees to sing. And boy do they sing! 

Consider the combination of these four the symphony of spring. Even if you did not previously attribute one of these songs to the correct bird before reading, I bet you recognized each and every song. 

Hope you are enjoying the symphony of spring! 


Warmly, 

Heather