Last spring I wrote series of blog posts, 50 in all, about bird song – we were all in lockdown and people were listening more. The blogs went down very well.
Well, now is a good time to revise, or simply start, listening to bird song and getting to recognise the species involved. Of course, you don’t have to know what species you are listening to in order to enjoy it – but I think it does add a little to the experience if you do.
Now is the time because there aren’t that many species singing now and that will help you get to grips with them. As time goes on over the next couple of months, more and more species will be added to the chorus, and the amount of singing will peak in April (I guess) but that is the most confusing time if you don’t already have your ear in. So start now.
I posted links to five species that are early singers a while ago (Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Great Tit and Dunnock – click here).
Here are another five species that areeither singing now or may soon be heard:
- House Sparrow – yes they sing, although it’s nothing that melodic, but it does make other species sound good – click here.
- Greenfinch – they are creeping back into my garden, using the feeders more, calling and wheezing, but I’ve see a couple of song flights too – click here.
- Chiffchaff – I thought I glimpsed one in the garden 10 days ago but it was off before I could see it well enough, although local birders were hearing song at about the same time. Coming to a garden, or a wood, near you in the next 10 days though, probably – click here.
- Starling – great showmen, whirling their wings while clicking and whirring, and great mimics. Starlings are wonderful – click here.
- Blue Tit – I was rather unfair to Blue Tits last year – their song is much nicer than I suggested. I grew to like it during lockdown. 2020, the year I grew to appreciate Blue Tit song (and, oh yes, there was a pandemic too). And I heard one singing in my garden a few days ago. This year i’m looking forward to enjoying their song which is like a tinkling bell – click here.