The Christmas Bird Count is a census of birds in the western hemisphere that is held between December 14 and January 5 each winter.

It was devised originally as an alternative to the 19th century tradition of hunting birds at Christmas, and has evolved to become the longest running citizen science project.

There are tens of thousands of participants - seeking out and counting tens of millions of birds each year.

2025 will be the 126th year of the Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t already participate in one, as of this episode’s release, you...

The Christmas Bird Count is a census of birds in the western hemisphere that is held between December 14 and January 5 each winter.

It was devised originally as an alternative to the 19th century tradition of hunting birds at Christmas, and has evolved to become the longest running citizen science project.

There are tens of thousands of participants - seeking out and counting tens of millions of birds each year.

2025 will be the 126th year of the Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t already participate in one, as of this episode’s release, you...

The Northern Yellow Warbler is a bright and cheerful sounding songbird found during the breeding season all across North America.

Males of the species are yellow with some red flecks along their chest, and are very songful.

They have a number of different songs, but their most common one can be described as sounding like “sweet sweet, sweeter than sweet”.

In 2025, this species was split from what was called simply the Yellow Warbler, so this might be the first you’re hearing of it being a Northern Yellow Warbler. This is in contrast to the...

Tonight, we take a walk after dark through a swamp full of katydids, crickets, grasshoppers, and maybe an owl...

Credits Songbirding: Species in Focus is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding<...

The Sedge Wren is a small, russet coloured energetic songbird found breeding in fields and shallow marshes in many parts of inland North America.

Their song consists of several dry-sounding chirps followed by a short trill. Unlike other wren species they tend to be more shy, and without their loud song, can easily go unnoticed.

This episode we will be exploring Taquanyah Conservation Area near Cayuga Ontario, in May of 2022.

Credits Songbirding: Species in Focus is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The...

The Marsh Wren is a small, brownish, energetic songbird found in wetlands across a large swath of North America.

Their song is a mix of harsh trills, gurgles, and buzzes. And, like most wren species, are much louder than their small size might suggest.

This episode we will be exploring Taquanyah Conservation Area near Cayuga Ontario, first on two dates in 2024, then in the conclusion you’ll hear a surprise I found there in May of 2022.

Credits

Songbirding: Species in Focus is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated an...

In the upcoming special episodes I’m going to feature songbird species who fit three criteria: that I have plenty of recordings of them, that I have not significantly featured them before, and that they are not likely to be featured in the next season of Songbirding because they do no occur in the west, or have not shown up significantly in my western recordings as of right now.

The Orchard Oriole has a curious song. Much like the Baltimore Oriole, each bird might have a slightly different song, with their own unique phrases.

This so...

We conclude with the finale hike of the season, listening to Swainson's Thrushes, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

On the last hike of the season, we return to Deer Lick Run for an evening birding hike.

Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding<...

Deep in Allegheny National Forest is the ghost town of Owl's Nest. While there were no owls to be found, there were a few songbirds to be heard, including a very cooperative Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

I've joined the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas, which gives me a good reason to just explore some of the forest access roads to collect more observations. Since the roads are so quiet and without traffic, they're great for birding, and listening for bird songs.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to...

As we return to the access road, a family of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers is encountered, and some Black-throated Green Warblers and Ovenbirds are heard.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip...

Deep in the Allegheny National Forest is a trail leading down to Logan Falls. Along the trail we'll be hearing Black-throated Green Warblers, Ovenbirds, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast...

This will be my final day of recording for this season of Songbirding, which will be a whirlwind tour of several remote areas of Allegheny National Forest.

But first, I’m hiking up Deer Lick Run one last time to retrieve my recorders, which captured this abundant dawn chorus.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is fr...

The Barred Owl is one of the larger owls, and has a brown mottled plumage, and big black beady eyes.

They are typically found in mature forests near water, and swamps.

Their hooting “Who cook’s for you” song can make these owls incredibly easy to find -- by ear at least.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Crea...

After several hours exploring, I’m ready to conclude my hike of the Minister Creek Trail. Even though noon is soon approaching, the bird’s songs are still going strong!

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Bird...

The Black-and-white warbler is striking in both its pattern and behaviour.

Its zebra-striped plumage combined with its nuthatch-like behaviour of climbing up tree trunks and hanging upside down off branches, makes it a unique warbler.

The song of the Black-and-white Warbler is a fairly simple, consistent 2 to 3 second staccato trill that can sometimes be very quiet.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing...

The Canada Warbler is colourful, energetic little bird found in the understory of northern forests throughout Canada and the northeastern United States. It's sometimes called the "necklaced" warbler due to its black necklace pattern across its yellow chest. 

The song of the Canada Warbler is loud, clear, and can vary by individual but generally always is a cheery rapid tune, sung from a low perch.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian W...

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is an iconic songbird species: the male's bright and cheery song, and equality cheery and rosy plumage makes it a highly sought-after backyard bird.

The song is sometimes referred to as, "sounding like an American Robin who has taken singing lessons".

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

...

When learning birds calls and songs, there are a few non-avian sounds that are useful to know. Sometimes mammals, such the Eastern Chipmunk sound like what you could imagine to be a bird call. It can sound like the chipping calls of a number of bird species, and sometimes it can even make a clacking call that is similar to that of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo!

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is...

For the next few episodes we’ll be exploring one of my favourite birding hikes yet — the Minister Creek Trail.

I came to this trail knowing nearly nothing about it, and yet seem to have found the perfect time to explore it — in early June when the rhododendrons are blooming and birdsong is in abundance.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

...

Saturday May 10th, 2025 is World Migratory Bird Day.

This annual event held every year on the second Saturday in May for the US and Canada, and second Saturday in October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

For extra content, see Patreon https://www.patreon.com/songbirding

Credits

Songbirding: World Migratory Bird Day 2025 is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

'Echoes' by...

The slow hike concludes as we hear more Red-headed and Blue-headed Vireos, Ovenbirds, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

It's a lazy and hazy afternoon, and we're going to hike the Beaver Meadows Loop in Allegheny National Forest. Some species encountered include Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support...

In our concluding hike of this area, the wind picks up but so do the bird songs! Song Sparrow, House Wren, Yellow Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat are just a few species we encounter in the last leg of the journey.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show...

Now we follow an open access road into the Buzzard Swamp proper, encountering many new species, such as Common Yellowthroats, Field Sparrow, House Wren, and various flycatchers.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by...

As we take a "lunch" break between the Songbird Sojourn Trail and the Buzzard Swamp, a Gray Catbird, Blackburnian Warbler, and various other birds sing.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to...

The songs continue along the Songbird Sojourn -- including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and many more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com...

As we continue the Songbird Sojourn Trail, Ovenbirds, Blue-headed Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos and various other species are heard.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com...

It's 2023 and I've returned to Allegheny National Forest. For the next few episodes we'll be exploring the Buzzard Swamp, starting with the aptly named Songbird Sojourn trail.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by...

We conclude the hike, starting with some unhappy blackbirds, and rounding off with Red-eyed Vireos and Black-throated Green Warblers.

Credits

Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to further support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips...

We continue the hike by exploring the shore along Otter Lake, including Common Yellowthroats, Swamp Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to further support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https...

It’s been five years since I first recorded birdsong at the Otter Lake Side Trail in Cape Chin North on the Bruce Peninsula. In this three part series, we'll return for another morning hike.

A video version is forthcoming and the link will be added here when ready.

Credits

Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is fr...

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024.

This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc

Credits

Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to support the show at...

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024.

This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc

Credits

Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to support the show at...

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024.

This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc

Credits

Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to support the show at...

I’m wrapping up my exploration of the Red House Wetlands at Allegheny State Park in New York state. Even though its late in the day for birdsong, there are still a couple new species to be heard during my last recording of 2022.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to su...

For the next couple episodes, we'll be exploring the New York side of the the forest -- specifically within the bounds of the Allegheny State Park.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing...

We continue through the Timberdoodle Flats, and encounter Eastern Towhees, Chestnut-sided Warblers, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

...

The Timberdoodle Flats are in the northeast of the ANF, and are a different kind of habitat -- a mix of meadows, forest, and open prairie.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing...