New York is home to several species of finches, including these male, left, and female American goldfinches. Photo courtesy of James Monteleone

Especially in summer, Western New York is blessed with incredible outdoor opportunities. Whether you’re hiking through Allegany State Park, paddling Chautauqua Lake, casting a line into Lake Erie, chasing gobblers in the spring, sitting in a deer stand in the fall, or simply enjoying your morning coffee on the back deck, there’s one thing we can all appreciate — the soundtrack of the many different birds that comes with it.

The birds never charge admission.

For years, I enjoyed hearing birds without giving much thought to who was actually doing the singing. A cardinal sounded like … well … a bird. Same with the chickadees, wrens and thrushes. Then one day I heard a song I’d never noticed before, and curiosity got the better of me. Now, instead of asking, “What’s that noise?” I find myself asking, “Who made that beautiful song?”

That simple question has opened an entirely new outdoor hobby.

Most experienced birders will tell you that spring and fall migrations are the Super Bowl of birding. Colorful warblers fill the trees, shorebirds stop along our lakeshores, and bald eagles, ospreys and hawks can often be seen soaring overhead. But summer offers something just as rewarding. The migrants have settled into their nesting territories, and the birds around us become our seasonal neighbors.

The best advice I’ve received is simple: get outside early.

Songbirds are at their busiest around sunrise, filling the woods with music as they defend territories and communicate with one another. Before 8 a.m., you’ll hear far more than you will later in the day — and you’ll beat the summer heat. Besides, coffee somehow tastes even better when it’s accompanied by a chorus instead of the morning news. I learned that different species actually talk to each other, back and forth. What are they saying? Take your best guess, but it sounds like conversation.

That happened to me just the other day. I was sitting on my deck with a fresh cup of dark roast when I heard a call I’d never heard before. Out came the Merlin Bird ID app, a free resource developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I tapped the Sound ID feature, held up my phone, and within seconds it identified the mystery singer as a Scarlet Tanager.

With binoculars nearby, I scanned the treetops until I found one. What an amazing bird! Bright red with jet-black wings, it almost looked too colorful to belong in Western New York. A short time later, a cardinal responded to the tanager. Looking at the Merlin program and the details they provide (all free), those two birds often talk to each other!

Merlin has become one of my favorite outdoor tools. It can identify birds by their songs and calls, making it perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. Fair warning, though — it’s a little addictive. Once you identify your first mystery bird, you’ll find yourself holding your phone in the air every time something chirps.

Ask me how I know.

Birding has also made me a better hunter. Sitting quietly in a deer stand isn’t just about watching for whitetails anymore. It’s amazing how many birds you’ll notice when you’re sitting still and paying attention. Over the past four years, I’ve identified 63 different species, many of them while waiting for a deer that never showed up. Some mornings, the birds have provided more excitement than the deer.

One thing the experts emphasize is giving birds their space, especially during the nesting season. A good rule of thumb — literally — is to stretch out your arm and give a thumbs-up. If your thumb doesn’t cover the bird, you’re probably too close. Binoculars are much better than trying to sneak a little closer.

The wonderful thing about birding is that it doesn’t require expensive equipment, special skills or a long trip. Western New York offers outstanding birding almost everywhere, from backyard feeders and neighborhood parks to forests, lakes and wildlife areas. If you’d like to explore even more, the New York State Birding Trail highlights dozens of outstanding birding locations throughout our region.

You don’t have to call yourself a birder to enjoy it. Just step outside, slow down, and listen. You may discover that Western New York’s best outdoor concert has been playing every morning … free of charge.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

July 4: Sporting Clays, Hanover Fish and Game, 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville; all shooters welcome, open to the public; 716-525-5160.

July 5: Ellington Rod & Gun, “Don’t Know Partner Trap League,” 1045 Hagerdon Hill Road, Ellington; Info: 716-287-3987.

July 7: Niagara Musky Association, monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Eldredge Club, 17 Broad St., Tonawanda.

July 10: 21st Annual Con Club Walleye Tournament in-person registration day, 4-7 p.m., 1 N. Mullet St., Dunkirk. For more info: email Chris at ncccwalleyederby@protonmail.com.