![]() The veery’s soft refrain is a down-the-scale “veer, veer, veer,” while the wood thrush sings a clear bell-tone “ee-o-lay.” The hermit thrush’s song is similar to that of wood thrush, but higher and thinner. Their songs are reedy and flute-like-ethereal and enchanting. But the dark woodlands hold some of our most notable singers-veery, wood thrush, hermit thrush, and Swainson’s thrush. The ubiquitous American robin is a thrush, as is the bluebird. Warblers, with 25 to 30 species, are another matter because of their sheer diversity. Tackling the first two is fairly easy given that each includes a relatively few species. Among the many residents of woodland habitats are thrushes, vireos, and warblers. ![]() Let’s consider birds that call Northeastern woodlands home. Many excellent field guides are on the market, and local species lists are available at most nature centers and online to help you narrow the choices. For instance, you shouldn’t expect to hear the exuberant, bubbly refrain of a winter wren in the middle of a hayfield, since they prefer shaded hemlock ravines. First, acquaint yourself with the species in your area and what habitats they frequent. Learning bird songs is in part a process of elimination. And with this ability comes an enhanced enjoyment of the outdoors. Hundreds of species breed in the Northeast, so how can a listener possibly differentiate between their many songs? It takes practice and a good ear, but almost anyone can learn to distinguish the vocalizations of our common songsters. Identifying bird songs can be both beguiling and bewildering. A quick “weeta, weeta, weeteo” approximates the song of the black, white, and yellow magnolia warbler-pictured above.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |