Scott takes a quick look at what birds are doing this time of year, and how their populations in the state have changed over the past couple of decades.
The bald eagle is just one of the bird species whose population has changed over the last 25 years. (Courtesy: Robert and Mila Anderson)
Have you noticed a hush descending on the woods lately? In May and June when birds competed for the airwaves with frogs, toads, and each other, it could be hard to hear yourself think. Now it seems peaceful by comparison. Most of our birds have long ago staked out territories and attracted mates, and are currently tending young. Song has largely served its purpose. Successful breeding now depends in part on keeping nest and young hidden from prying eyes.
This summer, volunteer birders are looking for evidence of nesting in several states across the northeast. New York, Vermont and Massachusetts are conducting breeding bird surveys, called atlases, to document which species are breeding, and where. New Hampshire’s first and only atlas was conducted in the early 1980’s, when almost a half million fewer people lived in the Granite State. So it should come as no surprise that bird populations have changed as well.
We believe that in the 25 years since, several species have colonized New Hampshire from the south, including red-bellied woodpecker and Carolina wren. Others have benefited from conservation programs, including hawks, ospreys and falcons. And hardly a year goes by without the discovery of another pair of nesting bald eagles, now numbering about 15 pairs statewide. But there is lots more we don’t know. So it would be a great time to redo New Hampshire’s atlas.
In a well-known children’s fable, a wren stows away on an eagles back, from which it launches itself toward the heavens to declare itself king of the skies. Now that New Hampshire’s eagles have returned, and Carolina wrens have arrived from the south, the fairytale, if not actually true, might seem a little less fabulous.
