birds and insects singing

The marsh is covered with young blackbirds -- almost as if there was a simultaneous fledging of Red-wings nesting in the reeds all around the edges of the marsh.

Many upland birds are still singing or have resumed singing in the past few days. These include both wrens (Carolina and House), both of our local breeding warblers (Common Yellowthroat and Pine Warbler but not Yellow Warbler), and White-breasted Nuthatch. Young Baltimore Orioles are out (you can hear their distinctive calls) along with an occasional resumption of song by the males.

Starting yesterday, a cricket or cicada began singing (quite loudly) in the grass just outside my porch window. The sound, a kind of grating note, is repeated up to a dozen to twenty times in a row and then, after a brief pause, repeated again, It seems to sing late in the afternoon -- at least that's when I notice it. July 5th seems earlier for these creatures but perhaps the time of year as well as the sound offers a clue as to what it might be. Anyone out there with some suggestions?

Eric Salzman