Sweet Sounds of Springtime!

Although springtime has arrived (on the calendar) in Southeast Wisconsin, many of us still have a considerable amount of snow in our yards… but there is HOPE! While outdoors this past week, I listened for those sweet sounds of springtime and was pleased to hear many of our migratory birds have returned to this area. 

Although our American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is the official State Bird of Wisconsin, many other birds also have made appearances during March.  Who can resist stopping to listen to the definitive warble of a sandhill crane, as it rides the wind currents to return from its winter getaway.  The trill of a redwing blackbird is a welcome sound this time of year, along with that loud-and-clear mating call of the male cardinal.  A variety of feathered friends gather on our feeders, twittering and chirping to one another, enjoying the few rays of sunshine that pierced the clouds, and snitching a seed or two before moving on.

Neighborhood children also provide some welcome sounds of springtime, as they bring out their bicycles for the first time, and giggle with each other as they share silly secrets.   Our longer days will keep grownups outdoors a bit longer too, which means the crackle of backyard campfires, and the sweet sounds of conversations with friends and neighbors.  

As we observe additional bird species arriving from the south, soon we’ll be cleaning out our hummingbird feeders and setting out oranges and grape jam for the orioles.  Enjoy the sweet sounds of springtime… while they last!

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture