Songbirds return to Calgary for spring breeding

If you haven't seen them, you've likely heard them.

"Canada is the nursery of the North American songbird," said Chris Fisher, the author of Birds of Alberta.

After migrating to warmer, southern climates for the winter the harbinger of spring — the American robin — is among the first species to flock back to Calgary.

"Calgary and Alberta in particular are just great places to have little babies," adds the Calgary bird expert.

Fisher says songbirds return to the province for the summer because there is less food competition, fewer predators and wide open spaces.

Fisher says outside the city, Calgarians can already look for the mountain bluebird.

He says within city limits, people can easily spot the European starling and the tiny, red house finch.

"They're really singing up a storm right now," he said.

Fisher describes the song of the house finch as "vivacious" and "shockingly beautiful."

If you want them to visit your backyard, he suggests you put out a bird feeder and stock it with sunflower seeds.

What songbirds have you heard in Calgary already? Tell us in the comments below.