Reprinted from the Spring 2023 issue of New Hampshire Bird Records.

Spring is migration time and different birds arrive at different times. Huge concentrations can sometimes occur, but it’s often hard to know where or when. Here are a few events that often highlight March and when to watch for them.

• Waterfowl migration is in full swing. Every week can bring different species. Watch for fallouts on open water in rainy weather, especially on large inland lakes. Flooded corn fields can also be quite good. Major river valleys and the coastal plain are the best areas. In warm springs with little ice or snow, the migration can pass through quite quickly and you can miss it.
• American Woodcocks start displaying as soon as the ground is open (or even before). Look for them at the edge of open fields, especially adjacent to wet meadows or brushy swamps. Killdeer often return around the same time.
• Black-capped Chickadees start to sing in late February or early March. Their “fee-bee” song can be mistaken for Eastern Phoebes which don’t return until early to mid-April.
• The Connecticut River in mid-March is the best place to check for rare geese such as Greater White-fronted Goose.
• Red-shouldered Hawks return and can be mistaken for Broad-winged Hawks which don’t come back until mid-April.

New Hampshire Bird Records is now available in digital format free to all NH Audubon members. (Not a member yet? Join here!) All members receive an email with a link to the current issue. Printed copies are available to members for an additional fee that covers the cost of printing and postage. Details are on the New Hampshire Bird Records website.