The Sportsman's Corner

Early mornings during the spring are noisy. Both resident and migratory songbirds are singing to claim territories and to attract mates. This is not always melodious singing: There is much dissonance among the various singers. Among the least harmonious of the springtime songs are those of crows and wild turkey gobblers. Anyhow, with hundreds of types of birds singing each morning, there is a lot of noise in the springtime woods; and some of this noise lasts all day.

As spring eases into summer, fewer birds continue to holler each morning. Instead, mornings become much quieter. By August, only...