Who’s That Singing? series
Birding by ear is a wonderful way to enjoy the birds around us — and it takes a LOT of practice! These weekly prompts are ways to help you get to know the songs and calls of one bird species at a time. Commit these songs to memory, and you’ll be hearing them everywhere! Enjoy!
Cover photo: Grasshopper Sparrow singing by Arlene Koziol
The Baltimore Oriole is one of the most beloved bird species by backyard birders, and for good reason! It’s colorful, it enjoys the fruits and jellies put out in feeders, it creates incredible nests, and importantly, it sings a delightful, jolly tune.
Photo by Phil Brown
Nothing says “Spring is here!!” like the song of the American Robin. This common bird is many of our favorites for good reason. Its sounds are cheerful, familiar, and in Wisconsin synonymous with the arrival of warmer weather and springtime flowers. The American Robin makes a lot of different noises, and makes them often. It is a bird you are likely to hear on a daily basis, and once you commit their sounds to memory, you’ll be hearing them all over!
Photo by Arlene Koziol
The Northern Cardinal has some really amazing and note-worthy sounds! Males sing year round, females do some singing as well, and all cardinals make noises galore.
Photo by Arlene Koziol