March marks the beginning of incredible bird movement in New Hampshire! While things may start slowly, signs of migration are all around—especially with waterfowl and early-season displays. Here’s what to watch for this month:
- 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 plains 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. Listen for the familiar series of “peents” made by male woodcocks on courtship grounds. 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.
Discover what to watch every month on the Joy of Birding, the new online home of New Hampshire Bird Records. Learn about new places to bird, rare bird sightings, and level up on your birding skills. Visit: https://joyofbirding.nhaudubon.org/.