Songbirding

Species in Focus: Lincoln's Sparrow

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Lincoln’s Sparrow is a very secretive songbird that looks almost like it’s got a tailored plumage: complete with the stripes, spots, and the s...

Sibbald Meadows Pond, Part 1

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In Alberta, many road and highways are actually called trails. One such trail I’ll be exploring at lot is the Sibbald Creek Trail, a very wide, wind...

Kananaskis Dawn

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

About an hour’s drive west of Calgary, Alberta in the foothills and front ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains is an area known as Kananaskis Coun...

Songbirding: Kananaskis Country (trailer)

07 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Here in the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, the birds are our hosts. We are their guests. Premieres March 2, 2026. Credits Songbirding: Kananaskis...

Species in Focus: Common Grackle

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Common Grackle is a blackbird with bright yellow eyes and a glossy-irridescent plumage. Their vocalizations are a mix of croaks, creaks, squeaks, ...

2025-26 Christmas Bird Count Special, Part 2

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ori...

2025-26 Christmas Bird Count Special, Part 1

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ori...

Species in Focus: Northern Yellow Warbler

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Songbirding Halloween Special

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonight, we take a walk after dark through a swamp full of katydids, crickets, grasshoppers, and maybe an owl... Credits Songbirding: Species in Focus...

Species in Focus: Sedge Wren

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Species In Focus: Marsh Wren

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

Species in Focus: Orchard Oriole

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S6E47 - Allegheny Dusk, Part 2 (Swainson's Thush; season finale)

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We conclude with the finale hike of the season, listening to Swainson's Thrushes, and more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a So...

S6E46 - Allegheny Dusk, Part 1

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Songbi...

S6E45 - The Ghost Town of Owl's Nest (Chestnut-sided Warbler)

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, inclu...

S6E44 - Birding the Forest Roads

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. Si...

S6E43 - Logan Falls Trail, Part 2

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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....

S6E42 - Logan Falls Trail, Part 1

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, Ovenbird...

S6E41 - ...Until Dawn Chorus

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Fo...

S6E40 - From Dusk... (Barred Owl)

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

S6E39 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 6

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

S6E38 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 5 (Black-and-white Warbler)

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Black-and-white warbler is striking in both its pattern and behaviour. Its zebra-striped plumage combined with its nuthatch-like behaviour of clim...

S6E37 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 4 (Canada Warbler)

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Canada Warbler is colourful, energetic little bird found in the understory of northern forests throughout Canada and the northeastern United State...

S6E36 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 3 (Rose-breasted Grosbeak)

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 so...

S6E35 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 2 (Eastern Chipmunk)

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S6E34 - Minister Creek Trail, Part 1

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Migrations: World Migratory Bird Day 2025

10 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S6E33 - The Beaver Meadows Loop, Part 2

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The slow hike concludes as we hear more Red-headed and Blue-headed Vireos, Ovenbirds, and more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is ...

S6E32 - The Beaver Meadows Loop, Part 1

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

S6E31 - The Buzzard Swamp, Part 2 (Song Sparrow)

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

S6E30 - The Buzzard Swamp, Part 1 (Alder/Willow Flycatcher)

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

S6E29 - Intermezzo (Blackburnian Warbler)

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

S6E28 - Songbird Sojourn, Part 3 (Brown Creeper)

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

S6E27 - Songbird Sojourn, Part 2 (Ovenbird)

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

S6E26 - Songbird Sojourn, Part 1 (Tufted Titmouse)

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 name...

Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 3

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 2

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 1

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 seri...

Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 3

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 2

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 1

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

S6E25 - Allegheny State Park in July, Part 2

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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, th...

S6E24 - Allegheny State Park in July, Part 1

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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. Cr...

S6E23 - The Timberdoodle Flats, Part 2 (Eastern Towhee)

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We continue through the Timberdoodle Flats, and encounter Eastern Towhees, Chestnut-sided Warblers, and more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny Natio...

S6E22 - The Timberdoodle Flats, Part 1

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Son...

S6E21 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 5

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the hike approaches the end, Dark-eyed Juncos, Winter Wren and Magnolia Warblers are encountered while many more newts are found. Credits Songbirdi...

S6E20 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 4

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’m continuing my early morning hike along Deer Lick Run, and am now heading back downstream towards my campsite. It’s been just over an hour sinc...

S6E19 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 3 (Common Yellowthroat)

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The hike continues with Common Yellowthoats, Indigo Buntings, and much more. Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studi...

S6E18 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 2 (Magnolia Warbler)

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The dawn hike up Deer Lick Run continues, including some morning songs from Magnolia Warblers. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during...

S6E17 - Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 1

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At sunrise every morning during bird breeding season, habitats everywhere erupt into birdsong. This is referred to as the Dawn Chorus, and depending o...

S6E16 - The Edge of Heart's Content, Part 2

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we continue with the exploration of Heart's Content via the interpretive trails along the edge habitat. eBird Checklist for the outing...

S6E15 - The Edge of Heart's Content, Part 1

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Heart's Content Scenic Area is one of the few "old growth" forests in Pennsylvania. Instead of going deep into the old growth though, today I’ll be ...

S6E14 - Evening Climb along Deer Lick Run, Part 2 (Wood Thrush)

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we descend the trails of Deer Lick Run, Hermit Thrush songs give way to their Wood Thrush cousins. Learn more about the Wood Thrush: https://www.al...

S6E13 - Evening Climb along Deer Lick Run, Part 1 (Dark-eyed Junco)

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we ascend one of the trails that follows Deer Lick Run near Sheffield, Hermit Thrushes, Dark-eyed Juncos, Ovenbirds sing their evening songs. Learn...

S6E12 - Introduction to Hickory Creek, Part 2

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Eastern Chipmunk, Scarlet Tanager, and Red-eyed Vireo are featured in the last half of this introductory hike to Hickory Creek. eBird Checklist for th...

S6E11 - Introduction to Hickory Creek, Part 1 (Mystery Species)

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Hickory Creek Wilderness Trail is a 21km trail that I won't taking in full this year, but perhaps in a future year. For now, I'm going to peek in ...

S6E10 - Nocturnal Birding (Eastern Whip-poor-will)

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At the end of the very first episode of this season I mentioned we’ve be coming back to the nocturnal portion of that hike, and here we are! This’...

S6E9 - Hector Falls Forestry Road, Part 2

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The back half of the drive along Hector Falls Forestry Road. eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115...

S6E8 - Hector Falls Forestry Road, Part 1 (Black-throated Blue Warbler)

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve been driving along the forest road near Hector’s Falls to find some new habitat niches, listening for more songs and sounds. After several ho...

S6E7 - The Hike Back, Part 2 (Winter Wren)

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Conclusion of the Hector Falls hike. More about Winter Wren: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Winter_Wren/overview eBird Checklist for the outing ...

S6E6 - The Hike Back, Part 1 (Black-throated Green Warbler)

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’m beginning my hike back to the main road. One might expect this means we’ll hear the same birds, but that’s not always going to be the case. ...

S6E5 - Hector Falls, Part 2 (Blue-headed Vireo)

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve made it to Hector’s Falls - it’s not a very tall waterfall but it is very compelling to look at. The water flows off of a rectangular-shape...

S6E4 - Hector Falls, Part 1 (Red-eyed Vireo)

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re approaching Hector’s Falls, and the habitat has changed a bit, with a stream alongside a winding single-track trail. More about the Red-eyed...

S6E3 - A Sore Sounding Song (Scarlet Tanager)

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the hike to Hector Falls continues, Scarlet Tanagers and many other songbird species are encountered. More about Scarlet Tanager: https://www.allab...

S6E2 - A Perfect July Morning (Hooded Warbler)

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s my first morning in Allegheny National Forest and the weather is clear and sunny — a perfect July day for recording birdsong. I’ve parked a...

S6E1 - The Hermits of Allegheny (Hermit Thrush)

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s almost sunset and I’ve driven to the closest trailhead I see on the map near to where I am camping: a trail leading to Hector Falls, in the T...

Trailer for Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Season 6 of Songbirding is coming soon. We'll be exploring the songbirds of the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, USA. Credits Songbirding: T...

2023-24 Christmas Bird Count Special

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ori...

S5E44 - Migrations in the Quietude, Part 4 (finale)

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After two hours along Crane River, the birdsongs are still very intense. In this final episode of the season, we’ll continue to listen to the migran...

S5E43 - Migrations in the Quietude, Part 3

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been an hour and a half since I started listening and watching the migrant songbirds along Crane River, and the peak of activity has yet to arr...

S5E42 - Migrations in the Quietude, Part 2

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been about an hour and I’m still exploring the short stretch between Crane River and Scuggog Lake — it seems the longer I’m here, the mor...

S5E41 - Migrations in the Quietude, Part 1

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s early morning on the 19th of May 2023, and while the dawn has brought some songs, it’s a relatively quiet day… so far. But as we follow the...

S5E40 - The Quiet Before

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's mid-May of 2023, and I've returned to Johnston Harbour once again. It's even quieter than I expected, though.. at least, for now. Credits Songbir...

S5E39 - A June Morning Hike

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s my last day at Johnston Harbour for 2022, and I’m doing an early morning hike - despite some overcast weather, the songs are both abundant an...

S5E38 - Return Hike

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this final part of this hike, I’m returning back to the trailhead at Pine Tree Harbour. One might assume that it means we’ll hear the same thin...

S5E37 - Exploring Pine Tree Point

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m continuing to explore the trails that extend from the Kinglet Junction, to see what new habitats I might find. We’ll be hearing from American ...

S5E36 - Kinglet Junction

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m continuing my hike from Pine Tree Harbour towards the crossroads of trails I’m calling Kinglet Junction. A couple days ago I encountered both ...

S5E35 - Pine Tree Harbour Morning

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The first part of a morning hike into the southern half of Pine Tree Point Nature Preserve, opening with a songful White-throated Sparrow. Credits Son...

S5E34 - Henhoeffer Park East, Part 2

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m continuing my hike through Henhoeffer Park’s East Trail, where a variety of eastern forest species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Ovenbird, and Pine ...

S5E33 - Henhoeffer Park East, Part 1

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I return to Henhoeffer Park, except this time taking the east trail, about 1km away from the previous recording location. Credits Songbirding was reco...

S5E32 - Scouting Pine Tree Harbour, Part 2

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

During my time in Johnston Harbour and Pine Tree Point, I occaisionally will hear a kinglet sing. But so far I will either only hear the bird briefly,...

S5E31 - Scouting Pine Tree Harbour, Part 1

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Now that I know how to enter the south side of the Pine Tree Point Nature Reserve, I’m making my way north from the cottage community of Pine Tree H...

S5E30 - Road Allowance, Part 2

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re continuing along the road allowance that skirts the edge of the national park lands. Along the way we’ll hear some Black-and-white Warblers,...

S5E29 - Road Allowance, Part 1

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today I’m trying a new trail - an unopened road allowance that follows the edge of the park property. It starts as a road but quickly gets much more...

Dawn Choruses From Around the World

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

International Dawn Chorus Day is coming up on the May 7, 2023, and I thought I’d do a special episode for this. This time, rather than my own record...

S5E28 - A June Afternoon at Pine Tree Point North, Part 2

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the second half of this hike I’ll be seeing how far I can get down this trail in the time I have alotted for myself. Partly so I can see some new...

S5E27 - A June Afternoon at Pine Tree Point North, Part 1

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On these hikes I’m always surprised when I come back to the same trail, and find different things. Today is no exception. For the next couple episod...

S5E26 - Overcast Morning, Part 2

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’m concluding my morning hike, and continuing to listen for more vocalizing songbird species. The day may have started out quiet, but the vireos an...

S5E25 - Overcast Morning, Part 1

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the next morning at the old hunt camp and I’m doing a short walk to see if I can find any new species this time around. It’s overcast, so ...

S5E24 - A Quiet Evening With Birds

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s mid-June of 2022, almost a year since I first started recording in this part of the Bruce Peninsula National Park. I’m back at the old hunt c...

S5E23 - Season 5 Birdsong Soundscapes & Quiz #2

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

So far in this season of Songbirding, we’ve heard quite a few species, some of them many times. In this episode you’ll hear recordings of one or t...

S5E22 - More Winds, More Warblers

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the last day for my short May excursion here, and it’s a windy day — not ideal for recording — but if one goes deep enough into the fores...

S5E21 - A May Afternoon at Pine Tree Point North

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While the afternoon isn’t usually the peak of songbird activity, if a morning is rainy, foggy or in other ways unpleasant, a clear and sunny afterno...

S5E20 - Overnight Arrivals

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s early morning and I’m hiking along Scugog Lake near Johnston Harbour, looking for appropriate locations to leave bioacoustic recorders. Many ...

S5E19 - A May Morning Hike, Part 4

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this last part of my May Morning hike, we’ll encounter a variety of songs: Common Yellowthroats, Ovenbirds, Blue Jays and more. Credits Songbirdi...

S5E18 - A May Morning Hike, Part 3

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this third part of my May Morning hike, we’ll be focused on a Hermit Thrush and a Myrtle Warbler. Credits Songbirding was recorded, engineered, n...

S5E17 - A May Morning Hike, Part 2

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing through the Bruce Peninsula National Park in an old hunt camp section, many Black-and-white Warblers are encountered. Credits Songbirding w...

S5E16 - A May Morning Hike, Part 1

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's mid-May and I've returned to Johnston Harbour, at the old hunting camp. For the next 4 episodes we'll be exploring this peaceful natural space, l...

S5E15 - Birds of the Night

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's May of 2022 and I'm back in Johnston Harbour, but I’ve arrived a bit late to record birds during the day, making this the perfect opportunity t...

S5E14 - Moulting & Migration Season

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s late August of 2021 and I’ve returned to Johnston Harbour to explore a bit more. This time of year will be much quieter, as the birds are foc...