We love all the seasons here in New Hampshire, but spring is definitely one of our favorites! The winter snow has all but melted and the trees begin showing their beautiful greenery. Add the ability to get outside to explore in warmer temps and you’ve got the making of some happy New Hampshirites. But how do we know it’s finally here? The return of these birds is a great sign!
- The Grey Catbird
wilfred_hdez / Flickr This bird is referred to as a “perching” bird, but you’ll see it just about anywhere in the spring. If you’re not sure you’ve seen it, keep a listen for the telltale songbird sounds it makes. It’s related to the Mockingbird, which won’t come as a surprise when you spot it.
- The Osprey
Colin Durfee / Flickr The Osprey is also known as the “Fish Hawk.” They spend their time up north when the lakes and rivers are roaring, but in the winter they head away from the freeze to find other open bodies of water. It’s fun to watch them glide over the water and dive in to catch their fish. But, keep an eye out for Bald Eagles! They’ll wait for the Osprey to grab something and then come in to take it.
- The Green Heron
wildreturn / Flickr These birds come to New Hampshire all the way from Florida and Central America. While they’re fun to find, you’ll have to search a bit. They’re typically found in marshy areas, but they’re very quiet and still as they search for prey.
- The Scarlet Tanager
wildreturn / Flickr This bird might be the most exciting to spot only because it’s such a challenge. They typically spend their time high in the canopy of trees. But they can make any choice they want after their long voyage all the way from South America. Males are this red color, but before they make the trip back down south they’ll molt to an olive color. Females keep their olive color year-round.
- The American Robin
puttefin / Flickr Some New Hampshirites may already be seeing these birds as they sometimes spend their winters in the southern part of the state. If you have, they were likely in a flock of 100 birds or more which helps them to stay warm. The real sign of spring is when they start appearing in your yard looking for worms. When they do, you’ll see that they’re not near any of their pals. While the winter closeness keeps them warm, in the spring they like to be on their own to have access to all the food they need.
To learn more about what these birds sound like, check out the New Hampshire State Parks website.
wilfred_hdez / Flickr
This bird is referred to as a “perching” bird, but you’ll see it just about anywhere in the spring. If you’re not sure you’ve seen it, keep a listen for the telltale songbird sounds it makes. It’s related to the Mockingbird, which won’t come as a surprise when you spot it.
Colin Durfee / Flickr
The Osprey is also known as the “Fish Hawk.” They spend their time up north when the lakes and rivers are roaring, but in the winter they head away from the freeze to find other open bodies of water. It’s fun to watch them glide over the water and dive in to catch their fish. But, keep an eye out for Bald Eagles! They’ll wait for the Osprey to grab something and then come in to take it.
wildreturn / Flickr
These birds come to New Hampshire all the way from Florida and Central America. While they’re fun to find, you’ll have to search a bit. They’re typically found in marshy areas, but they’re very quiet and still as they search for prey.
This bird might be the most exciting to spot only because it’s such a challenge. They typically spend their time high in the canopy of trees. But they can make any choice they want after their long voyage all the way from South America. Males are this red color, but before they make the trip back down south they’ll molt to an olive color. Females keep their olive color year-round.
puttefin / Flickr
Some New Hampshirites may already be seeing these birds as they sometimes spend their winters in the southern part of the state. If you have, they were likely in a flock of 100 birds or more which helps them to stay warm. The real sign of spring is when they start appearing in your yard looking for worms. When they do, you’ll see that they’re not near any of their pals. While the winter closeness keeps them warm, in the spring they like to be on their own to have access to all the food they need.
As warmer weather arrives with more strength it’s time to start making a list of things we’d like to do over the next few months. To help with that, here are the 11 very best places to go in New Hampshire this spring!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: New Hampshire, USA
