Spring

 

From the Martha's Vineyard Times.

"The excitement builds rapidly in March, as we await the arrivals of not only the first returning osprey (quite likely in about 10 days) but also green-winged teal, killdeer, tree swallows, eastern phoebes, many more blackbirds. In addition, a large increase in bird song accompanied by displays of courtship behavior in resident birds make it clear that spring has slowly started. Never arriving fast enough, it takes its own sweet time.

"Northern cardinals are especially noticeable at this season as the males become vociferous in the extreme. These medium-sized, brilliant red, crested birds with black faces are widespread on the Vineyard and familiar to most. While both males and the much drabber females are easily recognizable when seen, the species song remains a mystery to most. This is one mystery that is easily remedied.

"In most areas of the Vineyard right now, cardinals, along with resident Carolina wrens, are the loudest and most persistent birds singing in the morning and again late in the day. The song is a loud clear whistled two syllable slurred note lowering in pitch. The song variously described as what-cheer, cheer, cheer, etc. or birdie, birdie, birdie, etc."