Learning to Hear the Forest

Birding on the Trail at the Waterlife Discovery Center in Sagle, ID

I got up early this morning just to listen to the birds sing. As the sun rose, I stood in the green of a mixed conifer forest with a group of fellow nature lovers, listening to the song of a Red-Eyed Vireo as it called out, “Here I am, where are you?” I heard the Western Wood-Pewee’s lazy “pzzzzeeyeer,” like a hammock swinging on a spring day, and the demand for “Three free beers” from an Olive-Sided Flycatcher.

Entering the trail at the WDC to listen to the birds’ chorus.

At least, those were the colorful ways Carrie Hugo, from Idaho’s Bureau of Land Management, described their peaceful cheeps-and-chirps as she led us along the half-mile trail beside the Waterlife Discovery Center (WDC) at 1591 Lakeshore Dr in Sagle, ID, a 45-minute drive north of Coeur d’Alene.

Aside from a quick glance at a flash of wings, the birds stayed mostly out of sight, hidden in the branches and bramble that surrounded us. But Hugo, who’s been studying the birds of Northern Idaho for twenty-five years, can identify the species by its sound and habitat.

Can you find the Chickadee?

For those who might be skeptical about the accuracy of Hugo’s identifications, some of our companions on the trail pulled out their phones and used the free Merlin App, which records birdsong and provides immediate identifications. It confirmed Hugo’s exactitude.

At one point, we stopped and looked across the roadway. A Sandpiper glided through the air, and a short while later a swallow zoomed, twisting and twirling.

“Is there water over there?” Hugo asked.

Indeed, there was an oxidation pond just out of sight. Not only can she identify birds without seeing them, but by seeing birds she can envision the world that surrounds them without viewing it. It’s as though, by studying Aves, she’s gained superpowers. Blindfold her and leave her in the woods; she’ll listen to the tweets and describe the habitat.

When we finished our walk, we went inside the cabin at the WDC where Hugo provided a fascinating and fun presentation on birds. Did you know that they can sleep with one eye open? Imagine a mama duck protecting its fluffy babies at night, half its brain asleep and resting, the other half, watching for danger. Amazing stuff.

I don’t consider the half-mile walk I took this morning as one of the 50 hikes I’ll be completing. But I do consider this another tip for enjoying Northern Idaho. The WDC overlooking Lake Pend Oreille is a great place to spend an afternoon with both the kids and the grandparents.

Historically a fish hatchery, it now serves as a self-guided educational facility. In addition to the flat, easy-to-traverse trail marked with informative signs, the WDC features:

· An amphitheater with fish viewing windows for admiring rainbow trout

· A spring-fed stream and pond

· Milkweed and native plant gardens

· Poster exhibits, fish identification information, and threatened species information.

· A dock providing access to beautiful Lake Pend Oreille

· The Discovery Center Cabin filled with educational information - staffed by volunteers and open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the summer.

It’s not uncommon to spot bald eagles flying over the lake. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy.

Oh, and download that Merlin App. When I returned home from the WDC, I sat out on my back deck that overlooks the clear water of the Clark Fork River and listened to the sweet songs of:

· American Robin

· Northern Yellow Warbler

· Cedar Waxwing

· Western Flycatcher

· American Crow

· Violet-green Swallow

Listen with me: