Column: The simple trick that makes bird songs easier to recognize

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 16, 2026

It’s getting loud out there. The minute songbirds return in the spring, they begin to advertise, singing to attract a mate and establish a territory. For some people, it’s joyful noise. For others, it’s a challenge. Who’s making all that sound? It’s much easier to identify bird songs once you understand a few tricks. The most important thing to know is that most of the sound comes from just a handful of birds. That varies by location and habitat, but rarely are you hearing more than 10 different species at a time. Getting to know the common songs makes learning the rest a lot easier. ~ Bob Duchesne