Cardinals, like Carolina wrens, may also be heard to some extent, year-round. Cardinals are unique, in the fact that they are one of the few species where the female often joins in, in song. The tufted titmouse is another year-round, vocal resident. While this little bird utters an astonishing variety of chips, chirps, squeaks and calls it is most recognized by its loud whistled peter, peter, peter that is beginning to echo through the tulip poplars. Don't be confused if this character peters only twice, or perhaps four times.
Song sparrows have a song that, undoubtedly, other song sparrows love.
They generally commence with three, clear, rather musical notes followed by a garbled, jumbled, trill. One field guide describes it as Madge, Madge, Madge, quick, yourteakettleisboilingover. You can usually rest assured that three clear notes followed by a jumbled trill is, indeed, a song sparrow. If you need another sign that spring is truly in the air, check out the change of threads on the American goldfinches. I have had a stable population of goldfinches at my feeders all winter.