As the not-so-icy grip of a mild winter loosens and yields to the tender embrace of spring, Door County begins to rejoice with the promise of renewal. Among the most enchanting harbingers of this seasonal shift are our beloved birds, whose collective return adds both melody and motion to our awakening landscapes. Every year we welcome them back, elated; we welcome their songs and color, their energy, their movement as they streak confidently across the sky like the deft brushstrokes of a master painter. But, perhaps just as importantly, we should also reflect on the symbiotic bond we share with these winged wonders of our world. Birds reflect the majesty of Nature while reminding us that sometimes just watching is enough.
The Arrival of Spring’s Choir
In Door County, the arrival of spring birds is as eagerly anticipated as the first blush of dawn. From the delicate trills of the warblers to the robust calls of the robins, each species marks a chapter in the unfolding symphony of spring. The robins, with their cheerful song, are often among the first migrants to announce the changing season, hopping and pecking on the ground, then flashing and perching in the air. Close on their wings, the melodious lilt of the song sparrows and the vibrant flashes of the orioles weave through the budding branches, adding depth to Nature’s chorus.
As spring unfurls its tender leaves across the landscapes of our lovely Door County, these birds help usher in a cavalcade of colors and songs. Each bird, with its unique palette and melody, contributes to the vibrant mosaic of our gardens, transforming the cold, barren past into a living concert hall. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the remarkable attributes and behaviors of just a few of the many birds that grace our springtime with their presence.
The Radiant Warblers
Among the first to herald the arrival of spring are the warblers, a group known for their dazzling colors and intricate songs. The Yellow Warbler, with its brilliant, sunlit plumage, flits among the budding branches, like a burst of sunlight against the freshening green. Its song, a sweet series of whistles, seems to echo the optimism of the season. Then there’s the Black-throated Green Warbler, with its delicate balance of yellow and black, weaving through the canopy. Its song, a persistent and melodious “zee-zee-zee-zoo-zee,” is as captivating as its striking appearance, a testament to the diversity of the warbler family.
The Eloquent Orioles
The Baltimore Oriole, one of my favorites, brings a splash of fiery orange and black to the landscape, reminiscent of a sunset captured in feathers. Orioles are not just visual treats; their song is a flute-like series of whistles and chatters, a melody that adds depth to the greater spring song. Their remarkable behavior includes an architectural prowess in nest-building that humble the great Spanish architect Gaudi; the female weaves a hanging basket-like nest from slender fibers, creating a secure cradle in the sky for her future chicks. This ingenuity, combined with their vibrant colors and beautiful songs, makes the oriole a celebrated springtime guest that most bird watchers especially look forward to feeding with grape jelly, cut oranges, and colorful nectar.
The Eastern Bluebird
As winter’s hold weakens, the eastern bluebird brightens any birder’s spirits, signaling that warmer days are on the horizon. These birds bring a splash of spectacular color to the still-bare branches and early spring landscapes, their vivid blues and warm underbellies create a stark contrast to the muted tones of the season’s start. Their song, a series of soft, melodious warbles and churrs, adds a layer of tranquility to the awakening world, a serene melody to the lengthening days. The bluebirds’ diet primarily consists of insects and berries, making them a natural pest control ally for gardeners and farmers alike. Their foraging behavior, often spotted as they swoop down from a perch to snatch up a meal, is a fascinating display of agility and precision. So let’s encourage their return by feeding them mealworms and berries and intelligently adding nesting boxes (see Charlotte Lukes’ wonderful article “Helping the Eastern Bluebird” in the March 8 Door County Pulse) but let us also never forget the child-like joy we experience every time we see an eastern bluebird at our feeders or in our branches.
The Industrious Hummingbirds
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a jewel among gems, mesmerizes us with its iridescent green back and the ruby red of the male’s throat. The hummingbird’s song may not carry the melody of other spring birds, but its rapid wing beats create a humming sound that is music to the ears of everyone who appreciates the wonders of Nature. Often we do not see them until we’ve heard them fly behind us. These tiny aviators exhibit astonishing feats of agility and speed, hovering mid-air as they sip nectar from blossoms, a feat of amazing aerodynamics and energy efficiency. Many hummingbirds go so far as to slip into a coma-like state each night to conserve their valuable life resources, hovering just above death every night, bravely floating along the razor’s edge to increase their chance of survival. Their presence in gardens not only adds to the visual spectacle of spring and aids in the pollination of flowers (highlighting their crucial role in the ecosystem) but serves as a testament to the evolutionary powers of life and beauty. There is a reason we are so powerfully drawn to them.
The Noble Eagles and Hawks
Spring also calls us to new heights, searching the sky for the majestic flights of eagles and hawks over the tall coastal trees of Door County. The Bald Eagle, with its stark white head and tail contrasting against its sleek dark body, is a sight to behold as it soars against the spring-blue sky. Their nests, massive structures of sticks and branches found close enough to the water to allow for hunting, speak to the enduring nature of these birds, symbols of strength, survival, and freedom. (Rock Island hosts regularly returning Eagles in spectacular nests along its eastern coast. That alone is worth a trip to the tip.)
The Red-tailed Hawk, with its distinctive reddish tail and broad wings, adds to the drama of the spring skies. Their sharp calls underscore the wild essence of Door County, reminding us of the raw beauty and the red tooth and claw of nature. Look for them on the telephone posts or dying ash trees along the highway; unfortunately, fewer and fewer of these mighty birds return to Door County. We can all guess why.
As the landscapes of Door County awaken to the warmth of spring, the wetlands and shorelines become a stage for a fascinating array of birds, each playing a vital role in the ecosystem and adding to the region’s natural charm. Among the reeds and the gentle lapping of waves, gulls, terns, cranes, and pelicans exhibit behaviors and sounds as intriguing as their appearances are diverse.
The Graceful Gulls and Terns
Gulls, with their sleek, white plumage accented by gray wings (often-highlighted with black tips) are synonymous with beaches and shorelines. Their needy calls, a mixture of keen cries and the illusion of laughter, fill the air with the sound of hunger. Gulls display remarkable adaptability, scavenging with skill and soaring with effortless grace.
Terns, cousins to the gulls, are more delicate in build, with sharp, pointed wings and tails that create an elegant silhouette, the envy of any dress designer; eat your heart out Dior. Their diving display, a sudden, breathtaking plunge into the water to catch fish, is a testament to their precision and agility. The terns’ call, a high-pitched and rapid “kip-kip-kip,” is a lively soundtrack to the bustling shorelines and wetlands of the Midwest.
The Majestic Sandhill Cranes
No sound signals spring more for me than the distant call of the Sandhill Crane over the farm fields and waterways of Door County. Its long, elegant, and imposing presence, brings a touch of majesty to spring. Dressed out in shades of gray with a distinctive red crown, these ancient-looking birds command attention both visually and audibly. Their deep, rolling calls, which can carry for miles, resonate through the air like a wild anthem of the wetlands. Every spring, you will see me (as well as many other people) snap to attention when they the harsh call, to scan the skies for the noble and prehistoric flying V. Cranes are also known for their elaborate courtship dances: mesmerizing displays of leaps, wings flapping, and intricate steps that strengthen bonds between mates and amaze anyone lucky enough to watch.
The Soaring Pelicans
White Pelicans, with their impressive wingspans and striking white bodies contrasted by black flight feathers, have become a more and more regular spectacle of the Door County sky. These birds, often seen gliding in graceful formations both high and low over the water, epitomize the communal spirit of the avian world. Pelicans, renowned for their cooperative fishing technique, work together to herd fish into shallow waters before scooping them up in their expansive bills. This behavior not only highlights their intelligence but also their reliance on one another for survival. Their Door County numbers have grown over the last decade; may they continue to fill our skies and grace our waterways, reminding us always of the abundant wildlife that once was everywhere.
The Vital Role of Wetland and Shore Birds
The gulls, terns, cranes, and pelicans of Door County play essential roles in the health of wetland and shoreline ecosystems. They act as indicators of environmental health, control populations of fish and insects, and contribute to the nutrient cycle through their feeding habits. Their presence and activities help maintain the balance so crucial to the biodiversity of our habitats. We must continue to appreciate and protect them by loving the land they live in, on, and around and then sharing it with them.
Observing these birds in their natural environments reminds us of the complexity and interconnectedness of ecosystems. Their colors, from the stark whites and grays of the pelicans to the bright, molten sun yellow of the orioles to the the subtle hues of the cranes, add visual depth to the landscape. Their sounds, whether as haunting calls for space or the lively chatter of relationships, provide an auditory backdrop to the season. And their behaviors, from the terns’ dramatic dives to the cranes’ elaborate dances, offer glimpses into the fascinating reality of both evolution and beauty.
Feeding Our Feathered Friends
Welcoming these travelers with the right kind of sustenance not only supports their journey but fosters a connection between us and them. For the early arrivals, suet and fruit provide much-needed energy boosts, while nectar feeders can delight the orioles and hummingbirds with their sweet liquid. Seed mixes, rich in sunflower and safflower, cater to a broad spectrum of species, from finches to sparrows, ensuring a bustling tableau beneath the budding canopies and our busy feeders. Remember, the act of feeding is more than just nourishment; it’s an invitation into our lives, an offering of peace. If you’re unsure what to share, please ask your local bird seed providers.
Guardians of the Garden
Birds play a pivotal role in the fabric of our environment, acting as pollinators, pest controllers, and seed dispersers. Their abundance signals a healthy ecosystem, a balance of the life force that always, everywhere, thrives unseen. The warblers flit among the trees, feasting on insects that would otherwise overrun our gardens. The majestic swoop of a hawk keeps the rodent population in check, while the tireless journeys of the hummingbirds ensure the cross-pollination of countless flowers. They do their part for Nature; we must do ours.
The Sanctuary We Must Preserve
Protecting the habitat is a moral imperative that falls upon us all. This protection means preserving the natural landscapes that provide shelter and food for these amazing creatures. Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers creates sanctuaries not just for them but for all wildlife. Reducing pesticide use not only safeguards the insects vital for our birds’ diets but also contributes to the health of our entire ecosystem, including us. Supporting conservation efforts and respecting nesting areas during breeding seasons echo our commitment to these creatures and the world we share. By loving and protecting them we love and each other.
The Joy They Bring
The presence of birds in our lives enriches us in ways that transcend the mere aesthetic. Their songs remind us of nature’s resilience and beauty; they sing the soundtrack to the passage of time, each day, grounding us in reality. Watching birds teaches us patience and the value of stillness, offering a respite from the rush of modern life. In their flights and foraging, we see and feel the interconnectedness of all things, great and small, the delicate balance that sustains a life worthy of itself.
By anticipating and welcoming the birds of Door County each spring, we open our hearts to a deeper understanding of Nature and our place within it. We learn not only about the birds but about ourselves and our souls. The simple actions we take to protect these vital members of our community are not so simple for them. So, as the season turns and the first and second and third notes of birdsong fill the air, let us remember the role we play in this symphony, and let us act with kindness, wonder, and a commitment to the world outside our windows.
May your gardens be filled with the flutters of wings and the music of the natural world, and may the return of the birds bring you peace, joy, and a renewed sense of connection to the earth. Please, let us cherish and protect everything we love. Let us nurture not just them, but our inner song too.
