Wintering birds from the far north still linger in Oregon into early spring, but their patience for our “southern” climes is waning. Northern Shrikes and American Tree Sparrows may still be found in their favored regions and habitats even through late March, but their behavior begins to change. Watching these arctic breeders this time of year takes on new meaning as their breeding instinct kicks in, courtship begins and the birds begin to sing.

Listening to singing Tree Sparrows is like candy for Oregon birders who have difficulty getting above the Arctic Circle to observe these elegant little birds on their nesting grounds. The Tree Sparrows will leave Oregon soon, but in their place will come Oregon’s breeding birds from their southern wintering grounds in California, Arizona, Texas and the tropics. These returning “neotropical” migrants will soon join Oregon’s year-round resident species for the magnificent Oregon spring chorus.

The wheezy call of the Chestnut-backed Chickadee may often be confused with
the call of juvenile Mountain or Black-capped chickadees

The sweet three-note song of the Mountain Chickadee and the liquid rattle of the Dark-eyed Junco signal the start of this season in the Cascades and foothills. The increasing daylight inspires Red-winged Blackbirds and Marsh Wrens to announce their territorial proclamations at Eastern Oregon’s Malheur Refuge. Sage Sparrows, one of the earliest arriving songbirds of the season, return to nesting grounds in the high desert; and woodpeckers provide the percussion with their drumming from atop prominent snags in Oregon’s woodlands.

This birder loves winter birding, but there’s nothing like the start of the spring chorus. The Purple and Cassin’s finches will soon bring harmony to the lively melody of their cousin, the House Finch. Sparrows will begin to return in March, when the White-crowned and Golden-crowned may both be studied in the same outdoor theaters. Song Sparrows, who often sing throughout the winter, will become more active in their streamside territories and their songs will be hard to miss.

The less experienced birder may be intimidated by the increasingly complex spring symphony, but a little practice will help confidence overcome frustration. Identifying birds by sight in itself presents unending challenges. “Birding by ear” then is easily pushed aside. However, when we realize that our ears account for up to 90% of our initial bird “detections,” we tune up our aural sensitivity, increasing our ability to find and identify birds by sight. If a birder hears enough Song Sparrows and takes the time to track down the singing birds, the song will become familiar and identifiable by ear.

Northern Pygmy-Owls are almost always heard before they are seen. They are also one of the easiest owl to call in for a closer view.

One key to successful ear-birding is to start early in the spring and learn the more common songsters. As new birds arrive, the new songs will then stand out as different; a fresh challenge to the already well-tuned ear. Backyard birds often serve as the best study subjects. Just a few minutes each morning walking through the yard or down the street will catalyze the learning process. Learn the birds you don’t want to keep taking time to track down, like the exotic and ubiquitous House Sparrow. Learn that European Starlings can mimic just about any other bird, and that when you hear a California Quail calling from the top of a pine tree, something just doesn’t sound right – it’s the starling.

Learn the Song Sparrow, which can be found easily in the shrubs along any waterway or pond. Learn the various call notes and the “cheerio” song of the American Robin. Study the rattle of the Dark-eyed Junco and then compare it to that of the Spotted Towhee. Learn to separate the Steller’s Jay and Western Scrub-Jay, and practice tracking down the conspicuous ping-pong-ball song of the visually elusive Wrentit. Take advantage of the fact that Oregon hosts three species of chickadee; find each one and study the subtle variations. Learn bird sounds one species at a time to evade the auditory overload that most certainly will find you at the peak of spring migration. 

Later in the spring, the flute section will return, when the Swainson’s and Hermit thrushes begin their magical minuets. The warblers will sing their way along stream corridors, often changing their tune once they have found a territory or a mate. The tiny Winter Wren will announce its commanding presence from inside the forests of the Western Cascades and Coast Range, and the contemplative Cassin’s Vireo will query its way through the east side Ponderosa Pines. 

The spirited song of the Lazuli Bunting is a welcome sound of spring, but the real reward is seeing this turquoise-hooded virtuoso. 

The birds have started singing, and the chorus will only get better as the season proceeds. Spend some time outdoors and absorb the complexities of avian communication. Enter their auditory world and become immersed in the spring symphony of bird song. Your connection with nature will forever be changed. 

The author teaches birding-by-ear classes each Tuesday from March through May, 6:30 – 8:30 a.m., at Tumalo State Park near Bend. The classes are sponsored by the East Cascades Bird Conservancy and benefit their bird monitoring and conservation efforts across Oregon. E-mail steve@paradisebirding.com or call 541-549-8826 for more information

Oregon Important Bird Areas www.audubonportland.org
Oregon Cascades Birding Trail  www.oregonbirdingtrails.org

Text © 2003 Stephen Shunk of Paradise Birding  Photos supplied by the author..