An Appreciation of Nature's Symphany

As my interest in birding blossomed I naturally became fascinated with the sounds I heard on my explorations into our natural world.   For bird enthusiasts the ears can be more important than the eyes.  In fact, probably eighty percent of the birds I experience are recognized by voice before even being seen, and some are never seen at all.   This is especially helpful for similar-looking species, whereby the "Whit," call of a Brown-crested Flycatcher can distinguish it from the "Whachoo," or "pop," calls of the sometimes nearly identical "Ash-throated Flycatcher." 

 While there are many resources for bird calls nowadays which can be studied to gain knowledge, nothing takes the place of being in the field, hearing an unknown call or song, and discovering the bird behind the voice.   Each experience brings a better understanding of the natural world around us, and each season we get to brush up on ones we may have forgotten.   During bird surveys I try not to let a sound escape without being identified, since that same song or call may occur continuously throughout the morning.   Over time the calls and songs reach out to us like old close friends met in our daily travels.  

As we get more "tuned in," to the sounds around us at some point we connect to an awareness as we use all our senses to experience life around us, painting a unique nature-scape on the canvas of our mind.   It starts with the landscape, becomes a combination of habitats, then the addition of a Bewick's Wren here, a touch of red with a Vermilion Flycatcher there, a splash of Yellow Warbler above, and the warm brown's of an Abert's Towhee in the understory.

Abert's Towhee

 Each day we can walk the same route, yet have a separate yet brilliant masterpiece by the time we return.   This appreciation of all living beings opens our minds to endless possibilities, and a realization of how lucky we are to be here, now, in this wonderfully diverse universe.   

Below is a tribute to the special sounds which transport my being to that tranquil state that refreshes my soul with an new appreciation for this world in which we live.   

What sounds bring you to that peaceful state of appreciation?

1.   The sound of rain drops from an unexpected storm (such as the one which I am experiencing now as I write this entry) as they pitter-patter against the desert landscape.  

2.   A monsoon thunderclap sending shutters down your spine as it announces the downpour which immediately follows. 

3.  The sound of desert toads croaking immediately after the first heavy monsoon downpour (perhaps the Couch's Spadefoot I saw tonight?)

4.  The sound of lizards claws when they scurry up tree trunks while you pass.  

5.  The rush of power heard and felt as a Prairie Falcon slices through the air just above your head.

6.   Leaves rustling across the ground as they are carried by Autumn breezes. 

7.   The sound of fields of native mountain grasses swaying as a brisk wind races up the hillside.  

8.   The sound of a gurgling brook, river, or wash as it brings life to everything it touches.  

9.   The purr of a content kitten as you stroke its fur.

10.  The echoing call of a Canyon Wren against the high canyon walls. http://birdnote.org/show/song-canyon-wren

11.  The deep hoots of a Great Horned Owl in the quiet early morning hours in winter (experienced during Christmas bird counts).

12.  Common Loons yodeling at night as you canoe across a remote northern Maine lake.  

13.  Lone coyote howls on a quiet desert night. 

14.  The soft crashing of tiny waves on a freshwater shoreline. 

15.  The sound of spontaneous laughter you created either through your sense of humor, or more preferably, an act of total sillyness (I believe Monty Python perfected this art).  I suppose this is not so much nature related.  Better also delete my 70's/80's rock/ Rolling Stones entry.  

16.  The sound of snowflakes falling on a windless night.  

17.  A sudden rustle of tree leaves on a windless day as you stand admiring its beauty and wisdom. 

 

18.  The whoosh of winds above you as you are protected by the warm blanket of a pine forest.  

19.  The lap of your best friend's tongue as it greets you with a kiss on the cheek.  

20.  Common Poorwills calling their namesake mournfully as you feel your way in the darkness along the mountain trail.

Thank you for appreciating the incredible variety of sounds which make up life in our home, our neighborhood, and beyond.  

It's a Slitherin" to be Sure!

August began with some of our best monsoon rains of the season.  For three days now we've had showers.  It felt so refreshing I didn't mind working outside today while drops fell and clouds grumbled muffled warnings.  I was hoping to plant a Screwbean Mesquite in the front yard, but realized the concrete-like caliche was beyond the capabilities of even my trusty pick.   I stopped by Ace and found a new best friend, a nice long digging bar, which turned 6 hours of work into one.  

Next step was to transfer rich compost from the back yard to the front via hardy bird seed bags.   I am always a bit wary of digging up the compost, mostly in winter, since it is a nice place for lizards or frogs to seek shelter.  As I removed the newer layers to get to the richer soil a variety bugs scurried out of the hole about my feet.   Many homeowners feel they have to be at war with the insects in their yard which is a shame since they play such a vital role in the food chain.   I hope our insects will bring a future Western Screech Owl to our home, attracted by our diversity of prey items.   

On my third trip back a young spiny lizard was on the wall just over the hole, obviously attracted by the easy meal.  As I looked down the circular three foot deep hole I noticed movement of something other than insects.  It glided in and out of the small debris at the bottom of the hole, it's body about the size of a large, stretched out earthworm.  I carefully went into the hole and, after some effort, scooped up the small ground snake and temporarily put it into a 8" diameter aluminum can, so I could show Mrs. S and Tonya.

 It was a Smith's Black-headed Snake, a cute ground snake with such glistening smooth scales you would swear they had just been oiled(see more on Smith's Black-headed Snake from the resourceful,"Reptiles of Arizona," website.)   This was only my second sighting of such a little wonder, the first being about six years ago, again in our compost hole.   I quickly took a couple pics and let him go a few feet from where I found him in an area with lots of ground cover for a snake to weave through.   The mesquite planting would have to wait another day since it was too dark to safely (safely for the animals) dig out more rich soil. 

It's late and I'd better sleep-big day of planting tomorrow!  At least I have some trusty companions to hang out with me in the late hours as I get back into writing.  Deebs loves to lean up against my arm when I type, and Scout is his good buddy.  They even have a friendly wrestling session every night at about the same time.  It always makes me chuckle.  Thank you for appreciating our neighbors regardless of size or species.