The Announcement of Spring- The Return of Migratory Birds
By: Katelyn Parker
Spring is announced by migratory birds that return to our state for the summer months to mate and forage for food. Before the snow melts, our transient population of birds begin to land in their summer home. Often it is the males that return first so they can get a head start on creating the perfect mating ground. March is the month when bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts can hope to catch their first glimpse of some of the birds migrating back to the area. Keep your eyes peeled for bursts of color streaking across the landscape and listen for the songs that you haven’t heard since the previous summer. Below are some of the birds I looks forward to catching a glimpse of this spring.
Western Meadowlark
The Western Meadowlark is the state bird, and its song is the sound of the west. When I hear the song of the Meadowlark, I know it is time to dust off my Chacos and prepare for summer adventures. The Western Meadowlark is easy to spot, usually perched on a fencepost, serenading the western plains. They have a bright yellow belly, a brown back and wear a distinctive black V-shape necklace. When you hear their song for the first time in the spring, you can’t help but to wear a smile on your face.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch does not necessarily migrate away from the area and if they do, they don’t travel very far, just far enough to find a better food source. The Goldfinch has a remarkable way of denoting spring and that is the males change in appearance. Spring is mating season for several bird species and the American Goldfinch uses his plumage to attract his mate. In early spring his feathers begin to change from a dusty brown and dull yellow to a bright gold that makes them an incredible sight to see. Be on the lookout for a burst of yellow and rest assured that summer is nearly here.
Western Tanager
The Western Tanager is one of the most colorful birds that calls Wyoming home in the summer. They make a complete migration to Mexico and South America in the winter and begin to arrive back in Wyoming in the early spring. One of the most spectacular sites I have ever seen in Wyoming is an entire flock of Western Tanagers flitting from one tree to another. The male Tanager wears a palette that resembles the magnificent Wyoming summer sunset. They are easily recognized by their bright yellow body, red head and black back and tail feathers. They migrate south early, sometimes as early as July, so we don’t have long to get the opportunity to spot one so keep your eyes peeled this spring. They are often seen perching in coniferous trees.
Mountain Bluebird
A true indicator that spring is on the way is seeing a bright streak of blue travel across the snow-covered landscape. It is a truly remarkable sight to see, and I hope I am one of the lucky ones that gets to see it this spring. The Mountain Bluebird makes a full migration, wintering in the southwestern states and Mexico. The males are easy to spot with its completely blue body that is almost iridescent in color. If you see one, it is nearly impossible not to stare but don’t worry, he won’t fault you for it.
Brown-headed Cowbird
I put this one on the list, not because of vibrant plumage, but because they are fascinating! The first time I ever heard the Brown-headed Cowbirds song it honestly freaked me out. Their song begins with what sounds like a water drop from a faucet landing in water. If you are ever in the middle of nowhere with no water in the near vicinity and you hear water hitting water, it is likely that you just heard the song of the Brown-headed Cowbird. Some other features that make this bird fascinating is that they don’t build their own nests or raise their own young. They are an impertinent bird and they kick the eggs out of another bird’s nest and leave their eggs for another bird to raise. Even though the Cowbird doesn’t raise their own young, their song is universal across the species which is remarkable in itself. I have only heard their bizarre song once in my life and every spring when they return, I hope to hear it again.
Red Wing Blackbird
If you are an enthusiast of any kind of watersport, you are probably very familiar with the Red Wing Blackbird. They spend their spring and summer months nesting in reeds and brush that grow on the edge of lakes and rivers. They are a magnificent black with bright red patches on their wings. They also have a unique song that is easily recognized. Whether you are fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking or simply sitting lakeside, the Red Wing Blackbird is sure to serenade you for the duration of your visit. Keep a lookout for your first sighting this spring.
Lazuli Bunting
I have actually never seen a Lazuli Bunting, but I so desperately want to. The Bunting family is known for their vibrant colors and the Lazuli is a species that summers in Wyoming. I was lucky enough to spot an Indigo Bunting in the Midwest but have not had the opportunity to see any buntings in Wyoming thus far. The male Lazuli Bunting has a rich turquoise head, back and tail feathers and a light orange and white breast. The vibrant colors on this Bunting are more indicative of colors you would see in the tropics, so it is amazing that we have the opportunity to see something like this in Wyoming. Keep your eyes peeled this spring and I will try not to be jealous if you see one and I don’t.
Beyond the few I have mentioned, there are several species of birds that are expected to make their return this spring. Bird watching has received a bad rap as being a nerd hobby, but birds are remarkable creatures with unique properties, and they are our natural notifications. They alert us of the changing seasons, and they announce the beginning of new days. Take pleasure in the simple things, grab your binoculars, and go out and see what you can see.
Let us know which birds you are most eager to see this spring and share your sightings with us. Tag us on social media @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld