Spring is here!

   The season of spring officially begins on March 20. But if you ask the birds, it is already here. In just a matter of days, the thick blanket of snow and ice covering most of Ohio has vanished and the list of birds sining has increased daily. Yes, spring is here whether the calendar says so or not. Everybody says that the return of the American Robin is a good sign of spring (this is actually more false than true, but I'll get into that in another article), and they are definately back. Actually, they never really left. American Robins are year-round residents in Ohio. However, during the winter they simply converge into large flocks and sweep the stateside looking for food. But that, too, is another article I suppose.

   So what signs of spring have appeared so far? Here are the ones that I have noticed:

  • Birds singing

So far I have heard these birds singing (or at least making their mating-season calls for those that don't sing:

  1. Northern Cardinal
  2. House Finch
  3. Carolina Wren
  4. Song Sparrow
  5. Tufted Titmouse
  6. Mourning Dove

I have also noticed these species have once again arrived in large numbers:

  • American Robin
  • Red-Winged Blackbird
  • Common Grackle

And last but not least:

Mourning Doves gathering nesting materials

 

   Spring is here, and the birds are showing it. Keep your eyes open for other signs of spring besides the ones listed here. I am looking forward to the return of Tree Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds to my nest boxes this year, as well as the return of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. They will be here soon enough...