Birdsong: Whispers of Spring
As winter gives way to spring, one of the earliest signs of the seasonal shift is an increase in birdsong. This year, I started noticing more birds singing in my area and wondered, was this a real phenomenon, or just my perception? Inspired by the Japanese tradition of listening for the first bush warbler song around Lichun (立春, the Start of Spring), I decided to test it using the Merlin Bird ID app.
Is There More Birdsong in February?
In Japan and China, bush warblers (like the Japanese Bush Warbler, Uguisu) are known for their first songs around early February, marking the transition to spring. Florida doesn’t have bush warblers, but I wanted to see if local birds showed a similar seasonal pattern.
Method: Using the Merlin App
To track birdsong, I used the Merlin Sound ID feature over multiple days, recording at the same time each morning. The app helped identify which birds were singing and allowed me to compare activity levels between late January and early February.
Key Species Detected:
Northern Cardinal - A year-round resident known for its clear, whistling songs, especially in breeding season.
Carolina Wren - A loud, persistent singer, often among the first to vocalize at dawn.
Blue Jay - Notorious for a variety of calls; some populations show slight seasonal movement.
Red-bellied Woodpecker - Drumming and vocalizations increase as they establish breeding territories.
Findings: Is Birdsong Increasing?
After several days of recordings, I found a noticeable uptick in both the frequency and variety of birds singing. Some possible explanations:
Breeding Season Kickoff – Many resident birds, like cardinals and wrens, start defending territories in February.
Longer Days, Hormonal Changes – As daylight increases, birds' internal clocks trigger more vocal behavior.
Winter Visitors Mixing with Residents – Species that overwinter in Florida may still be present, adding to the soundscape.
The Bush Warbler Connection
While we don’t have Uguisu, the increase in birdsong here serves a similar purpose—it marks a subtle but real seasonal transition. In many cultures, birds act as a natural calendar, announcing the shift from winter to spring with their songs.
Conclusion: An Audible Sign of Spring
Birdsong offers a fascinating way to observe seasonal change. Whether through the Merlin app or just by listening, tracking birds can deepen our awareness of nature’s rhythms. In Florida, where the seasons are less pronounced, these small shifts become even more essential to notice. The gradual changes in birdsong, plant growth, and temperature serve as nature’s quiet reminders of transition.
I’ll continue recording throughout the season to see how the soundscape evolves. Have you noticed more birds singing lately? Try listening closely and let me know what you hear!
