Friday, April 10, 2009

Night sounds of spring

Last night there was a wonderful full moon. The spring peepers were out making their chirping sounds as the wind gently rustled through the leaves on the trees.

The spring peepers are the first harbingers of spring, along with the greening of the marsh, the budding of the trees, the blooming of wisteria, azaleas, and Confederate jessamine.

But last night, I heard one of the most haunting sounds for me. It was Chuck Will's Widow calling over and over in a repetitive song. For me, this night bird brings back memories of misty fields of hay at dusk, being called in for dinner and school books, sitting on the porch listening to soft music and soft voices, and smelling freshly mowed grass. The melancholy sound is relaxing, lulling me to relax on this peaceful and calm night. Listen to them calling now.


I wonder whether the kids with IPods hear any of these sounds. I wonder whether the bird populations will sustain as more land becomes developed, making habitat and food become scarce. I think how grateful I am to have these birds calling and telling me that spring has arrived.

19 comments:

  1. This is also one of my favorite sounds of the night. I remember the first time I heard one in 99. We had just moved to South Carolina and were housed on a State Park there. One night a specific individual was very very loud. Come to find out it was sitting on the porch of the unit we were living in. Nice memories.Have a great weekend Syd.

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  2. Today's generation will certainly have different experiences from past ones. I'm glad I was born when I was born.

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  3. This sounds like heaven to me... and very different from arid Colorado.

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  4. Awesome..just awesome..brings back some summer memories of my own childhood in Missouri. We knew when the katydids started their leg-rustling at dusk..it was time to go home.

    Namaste

    Katydid sound

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  5. As one who travels from a rural area to an urban one to go to work, I think that progress robs us of many simple pleasures.

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  6. That was really really very nice Syd, thanks.

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  7. wow, is that YOUR photo??? it is BEAUTIFUL...and peaceful...love it.

    Have a great weekend Syd.

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  8. music to my ears. thanks for sharing :}

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  9. Good morning!

    I'm having some trouble with the blog area, but still was able to open the wonderful recording of that beautiful little goatsucker's song! Thanks for that. I will figure out how to save that particular item into my 'favorites' to play whenever.

    The sound brings back memories similar to those you described in your blog; however, it brought back another memory - of a 3am temper tantrum my beloved (departed) alcoholic exhibited - by storming out onto our deck to wring the bird's neck for landing on the railing and singing his song! This violent action did not seem to disturb the bird as much as it did me. I immediately came to the defense of the bird, chasing my naked hubby back into the bedroom. Meanwhile, the bird was on a tree branch not much farther away - - - and I swear - he was chuckling (no pun here) at what he witnessed, and kept up his sweet night song.

    Danged alcoholism affects even the critters!

    Happy spring!
    Hugs,
    Anonymous #1

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  10. Being out in my garden, or walking the dogs in the woods, with the sound of birdsong for accompaniment, is one of life's simple pleasures.

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  11. what a great treat to open up your blog and be able to hear that sweet music. I agree with everything that you said. We have to learn how to co-exist or everything will cease to exist. peace.

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  12. Texaco moved - and wanted to share the new, more anonymous address with you.

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  13. I loved the sound of Chuck Will's Widow. (Never heard of it, but now I have and I also know the sound it makes.) - - Thanks to Syd

    The sounds of nature are peaceful, serene, beautiful.

    Prayer Girl

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  14. Oh yes, the sounds of the birds, the croak of the frogs, and the hum of the crickets. And they all do it sober (me thinks).

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  15. Very nice. I have cardinals in the back yard, not quite the same.

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  16. I truly LOVE the pre-dawn birdsongs EVERY MORNING. And my head carries them right into a meeting.

    Or is it: They carry my head right into a meeting?

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  17. Great Blog Syd. It's wonderful to sit back and listen to the sounds of nature isn't it. I took a few minutes out to do the same tonight. Somehow I stumbled onto your blog and I've enjoyed your words and thoughts.

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  18. The ipod is for working out and cleaning house. Maybe when I get the wrong seatmate on public transportation.

    Nature is the most incredible symphony there is. Glad I grew up a Southern girl.
    Great post.

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