Ah, early summer. The sun’s up before your alarm, the fields are buzzing, and the birds? They’re out here living their best lives—singing, nesting, and generally showing off. Whether you're a casual birder or a full-blown binocular addict, this is prime time to get outside and see who's flitting around.
Here are some of the must-see birds you should have on your radar right now. We’re talking color, sound, and a little bit of wow-factor.
1. Baltimore Oriole – The Orange Showstopper
Let’s be real: if this bird doesn’t make you gasp the first time you see it, check your pulse. Bright orange body, black hood, and a flute-like song that sounds like pure sunshine. Early summer is peak time for orioles—they’re building their sock-shaped nests and hitting the jelly feeders hard. Find them in open woodlands or even your own backyard if you’ve got fruit or sugar water out.
Hot tip: Grape jelly is like crack for orioles. Just don’t judge them.
2. Yellow Warbler – Mr. “Sweet-sweet-sweet, I’m-so-sweet!”
This little sunshine nugget is everywhere right now—and thank goodness. Early summer is warbler season, and the Yellow Warbler is one of the easiest to spot. Bright yellow, streaked with reddish chest stripes, and full of sass. Their song is upbeat, repetitive, and, honestly, kind of catchy. They’re like the pop stars of the brushy field edges and riversides.
3. Eastern Meadowlark – Grassland Soul Singer
Imagine standing in a breezy prairie, and out of nowhere comes this rich, flutelike “see-you-see-yeeer” ringing through the air. That’s the Eastern Meadowlark, and it might be the sound of summer itself. Bright yellow chest with a bold black "V" necklace, they perch on fenceposts and belt it out like they’re headlining.
Bonus: They’re ground nesters, so if you see one vanish into the grass, they might have chicks nearby. (Watch your step!)
4. Indigo Bunting – The Blue That Breaks Your Brain
The first time you spot an Indigo Bunting in full sun, you’ll probably ask yourself, “How is this bird real?” Their feathers are technically black, but they reflect such intense blue it’s like they’re plugged into the sky. Early summer is primo bunting season—they’re singing from power lines, tree tops, and sunny shrubby spots all over.
Pro move: Learn their song. It’s a cheerful, two-note pattern that sounds like a warbler and a sparrow had a jam session.
5. Common Yellowthroat – The Masked Bandit of the Wetlands
You’ll hear him before you see him: “Witchety-witchety-witchety!” He sounds like he’s casting spells in the cattails. This little warbler has a bold black mask, bright yellow chest, and ninja-level hiding skills. They love marshy areas, wet meadows, and thick brush, so be patient—and ready.
Warning: You may fall in love with his feisty attitude.
6. Red-winged Blackbird – The Backyard Bouncer
Okay, okay. These guys are super common, but hear me out—they’re iconic for a reason. That piercing “conk-a-reee!” call echoing over a pond or roadside ditch? That’s early summer in a nutshell. And the males, with those fiery red and yellow epaulets, strut like they own the joint.
(Which, to be fair, they kinda do.)
7. American Goldfinch – The Late-Blooming Summer Star
Goldfinches are fashionably late—they wait to nest until mid-to-late summer when thistles start blooming. But early summer is when they’re flashing their lemony plumage and making dreamy rollercoaster flights over fields. Their call sounds like “potato chip!” when they fly. Yes, seriously. Once you hear it, you’ll never un-hear it.
Wrap-Up: Early Summer Birding Vibes
This time of year is absolutely buzzing—literally and figuratively. Birds are in full-on summer mode: singing, showing off, and raising the next generation. It’s the perfect time to grab your binos, a cold drink, and a buddy (or just your dog) and hit the trails, back roads, or even your front porch.
Birding in early summer is less about chasing rare finds and more about soaking in the season—the colors, the songs, the chaos of nature doing its thing.
So go ahead. Step outside. Tune in. Your next favorite bird might be just a few tweets away.