How Sweet the Sound

Baltimore Oriole

I love that technology has given us many options to listen to music on demand. Most of the time you will find me listening to my favorite artists on Pandora at home or in my car. However, there are certain times of the year (Early Spring and Summer) that I enjoy unplugging my devices and simply listen to the sound of the birds.

Early May is when I listen carefully for one of my favorites...the distinct song of the Baltimore Oriole.  Not only does this song signal the official start of Spring for me here in Southeastern Wisconsin, but it also reminds me that it is time to fill my hummingbird feeder, as well as set out the oranges for the orioles. 

As the season progresses, it is the incessant trill of the House Wren that fills the the days of late May and early June.  The raucous sound of the Blue Jay often warns of intruders in the yard, and the song of the male Northern Cardinal (when whistled back) will often bring them closer to inspect the new rival to their territory.

House Wren

Listening for the first song in the pre-dawn hours often takes the edge off of insomnia.  It is relaxing to see which bird's song will emerge first each morning and how quickly others follow suit.  

Take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourself in a symphony of song that has been perfected over the ages. The months of Summer will be over before you know it, and the birds will become less vocal. Taking time in the morning or early evening to relax with a cup of coffee or glass of wine and take in the intoxicating sounds of nature is one of my favorite "guilty pleasures".

Happy Birding!

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has a great site for identifying bird songs and calls.  Songs & Calls

I am available for speaking engagements to groups and businesses.  For more information visit my website at:  Belinda Abendschein