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How to Listen to Birds Indoors

Early in the morning, about an hour before sunrise, birds begin their day with songs. You may hear just one song at first, then another, and by the time the sun comes up most are in full voice. Listen carefully and you will learn a lot about the activity of the neighborhood birds. Birds sing to mark their territory and warn off unwanted visitors, impress a mate, identify themselves to family members and to convey information about food. Learning to identify the songs enhances your enjoyment of the birds outside your window.

Things You'll Need

Binoculars (optional)
Journal (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Bring a comfortable chair close to a window and open the window if weather permits. You'll be surprised at difference in the level of detail that you can hear through an open window.
- 2
  Focus on one song at a time, and enjoy the rhythm and sound of the song.
- 3
  Identify the bird, if possible. Connecting the song to the singer helps you remember the song. You may be able to see singers such as cardinals and robins near your window, but you may never see the shy birds such as warblers that like to hide in bushes and thickets. Binoculars help when trying to spot birds and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website has a bird search tool with pictures and recorded sounds that can help identify your neighborhood birds.
- 4
  Use a journal to take notes about the types of sounds and songs you hear if desired. Including dates helps you become familiar with the annual migration patterns of your neighborhood singers.

Nature