Did you hear that? Cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up.
The first call of the quintessential spring bird heralds in the new season, the first of many birds to return from their southern migrations.
It's the sound of a robin returning home after a long winter.
The first call of the quintessential spring bird heralds in the new season, the first of many birds to return from their southern migrations.
Across Canada, birds are arriving in their northern habitats, many of which include the Nature Conservancy of Canada's protected lands.
In April, on Saskatchewan's prairies, the burrowing owl returns from its wintering grounds in the southern United States and Mexico. By late June and early July, owlets emerge from their nests. These tiny feathered creatures use the abandoned burrows of mammals, such as prairie dogs and badgers as shelter. In the summer of 2011, after a long absence, burrowing owls were confirmed to have returned to the conservancy's Old Man on His Back Natural Area; a victory of conservation for the Canadian organization.
If you're unable to visit one of these sites, you still have the opportunity to hear the melodies of these migratory birds. The conservancy has included recordings of these spring-time sounds on their website, and encourages Canadians to become familiar with these sounds in case a flock unexpectedly flies overhead.
West to east, indoors and out, the songs of migrating birds can now be heard.
This spring, come and experience nature's symphony at one of these birding hot spots. To hear these sweet seasonal songs, visit natureconservancy.ca/migrationmelodies.
