Creature Feature – Music to Our Ears
Posted by Dustin Horton // March 9, 2021 // Articles, Creature Feature
March is finally here, and soon we welcome spring’s official arrival. There are other special arrivals to celebrate this month including the first sojourning red-winged blackbirds, common grackles, cowbirds and song sparrows. They are among the earliest bird species to return north for the breeding season.
Red-winged blackbirds, common grackles and cowbirds frequently travel together in large, hungry flocks that descend en masse upon our bird feeders or to rest in treetops where they produce a cacophony of ear-busting whistles, trills, croaks, squeaks and other excited avian chatter. While the raucous concert lacks pleasant melodics, it is, nevertheless, most welcome to winter-weary ears!
In contrast, the little rusty-brown and white song sparrow sings so sweetly. The male sparrow selects an exposed perch to set the stage; then, tipping back his head, he begins his cheerful song with a few succinct whistles followed by a bouncy trill. Some bird guides suggest it sounds like, “Madge, Madge, Madge, put on your tea kettle-ettle-ettle;” or, “Hip, hip, hip hurrah boys, spring is here!” Regardless of the questionable mnemonics we assign to the song sparrow’s uplifting tune, there’s one thing for certain: it’s music to our ears.
Article & Photo by Margie Manthey
