Four Ways to Celebrate with the Birds of Spring

Migration, nesting, and small practices of return

This is the time of year when birds begin again.

Some arrive from tropical places to begin a season of building, tending, nurturing. Others begin a journey northward to the tundras. The ones that were here all along start their own season of singing and nesting. As the weather turns toward spring, here are four ways to celebrate the annual migrations, nesting, and returning of the birds.

Notice arrivals

Each day, I get the “what showed up today” report from my husband. The first Orange-crowned Warbler, the arrival of the Rufous Hummingbirds, a passing-through shorebird.

You may not have a resident birder (or be one) but you can still take a moment to notice the new arrivals to your area.

• Visit Birdcast. This amazing site gives you access to real-time migration information from dazzling maps to forecasts for your region of the U.S.

• Track local migrants using eBird. You can set up alerts for early arrivals or rarities, see what others are finding by searching for recently uploaded photos in your area, or explore Hotspots. (You can learn how to navigate eBird from this video.)

Listen to spring voices

Every morning, before the sun is even peeking over the horizon, I hear the American Robins caroling. They are exuberant and celebratory and loud. But there are many spring voices to be heard. Try opening a window or if you go outdoors, get out early and listen for little tweets, squeaks, and songs. If want to know who’s singing, you can try out Merlin, an app that offers identification help for bird songs that it “hears.”

No matter which birds you hear, let their voices speak to you. Like hearing a meditation bell, each song can be a reminder to center yourself more fully.

Do some noticing

American Crows are in the trees tugging on twigs and branches then carrying off their prizes to add to their nests. The Juncos are always in pairs. A White-crowned Sparrow has claimed a high perch to sing and survey his territory. Each one of these birds could be thought of as a messenger of presence, inviting me to savor the now-moment.

When you see a bird, pause for a moment and notice. This small feathered creature is your cue to let your shoulders relax, feel your feet on the ground, and breathe. Allowing yourself to recenter is another way to welcome spring and celebrate the birds.

Honor departures

Spring migration isn’t just about arrivals. Some species are departing and others are simply passing through. Whenever I see or hear geese winging their way north, I whisper a little blessing for their journey northward. Many neotropical migrants make their flights at night, miraculously winging their way under the stars.

To me, it feels important to celebrate these unseen visitors as they travel, some of them flying thousands of miles. There is something so precious and tender in knowing that they are there, making their way in this world of ours. Something to celebrate.

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