While many of our summer songbirds fly south for the winter, for Bohemian waxwings, the Northeast IS south. This species breeds in the open evergreen and mixed forests of areas far to our north: central Alaska, western Canada, Scandinavia, and northern Russia.

For veteran birders, the spring migration season is a delight, with new bird species arriving – or passing through – daily, in yards and forests, fields and wetlands. For newer birders or casual backyard bird watchers, this influx can be overwhelming.

Peaking from December 13 to 14, this year’s Geminid meteor shower coincides with the dark sky of a new moon, which should make for great viewing – assuming the night is clear, of course. 

It is a question I face each year as March winds into April: when to take down the bird feeder.

On my commute to the Northern Woodlands offices in Lyme, New Hampshire, I pass a long-established osprey nest, perched atop a very tall electric tower next to Route 302. This location offers the ospreys a view of their surroundings – and provides me with a view of the ospreys from the road. 

Several years ago, I was awakened nearly every day of late spring by a recurring – and very loud – bird sound. 

Every spring, after the last of winter’s snow has completely melted and as I start the wonderful, dirty work of turning the soil of my vegetable beds, I find myself gazing often to the just-greening-up ground beneath the old apple tree behind the garden.

Here’s a quiz for Harry Potter fans: What kind of owl played Hedwig in the movies? If you guessed a snowy owl, you’re correct. 

The grackle appeared early last spring, the day before I put the feeder away (so as not to tempt the bears who would soon be awakening from their winter dens).