Dawn Chorus

The dawn chorus officially began sometime earlier this month, and new voices seem to get added every morning as the season gains momentum. Each spring morning, the chorus begins a few minutes earlier, which means a decreasing amount of sleep for the dawn chorus connoisseur. The consequence of oversleeping is regret at having missed out on the most magical part of the day, as this songbird extravaganza is time limited. It begins just before first light, and by the time the sun is poking its rays through the tree line, the musicians are starting to wrap up and head on to other pursuits.

Walking the floodplain these early mornings, I find myself wondering if there has ever been research done between birdsong and increased serotonin levels among those of us who are listening. When the song sparrows are riding the tops of saplings, tipping back their heads and rocketing out their early morning tunes, it’s hard not to catch of piece of the exuberance.

See more April scenes from the Merrimack River Outdoor Education and Conservation Area and listen to common spring sounds below:

Oh, and how are the wood ducks from March doing these days?

Song Sparrow

Northern Cardinal

American Robin

If it Sounds Like a Duck... Might be a Wood Frog via NHPR

Wood Duck

Red-winged Blackbird

Ellen Kenny is a photographer and teacher who frequents the floodplain in Concord. Ellen volunteers with the Forest Society to share her observations throughout the year.