Sounds of Spring: A Fond Farewell
“Listen to the voice of nature, for it holds treasures for you.”
Native American (Huron) Proverb
In two weeks, we will move from a rental cabin high in the mountains of the Nantahala Forest, where we’ve lived for the past six months, into a small house in town.
I’m already feeling nostalgic.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m excited, and beyond ready for this change. Like many potential buyers in the current housing market, we saw very few houses go up for sale during our long search and found bidding wars to be exhausting. But our persistence finally won out, and we’re looking forward to the amenities and conveniences that our new house will offer. We’ll be close to grocery stores, the farmer’s market, and restaurants; we’ll trade well water for city water and trips to the landfill for curbside garbage pick-up.
We’ll also trade a community of trees for a neighborhood of humans and, at night, a pitch-black stargazing sky for streetlights and modern-day light-pollution.
Oh, and the forest sounds… Morning birdsong will no doubt be drowned out by the rumble of school buses and commuter traffic. Will I hear a muffled rustle of leaves when squirrels scamper to the top branches of our backyard trees?
I’ve grown used to nature providing my daily soundtrack, especially as I’m tuning in from the comfort of a rustic bentwood rocker on the deck. It’s here that I’ve spent countless hours marveling at the ability of these ancient woodlands to shape-shift before my eyes. I have watched and listened with gratitude—December through May—as bare gray branches budded and burst into vivid newborn green.
And now it is time to move on. Before I do, in remembrance of this enchanted place, I just had to capture a few of my favorite sounds of Spring.
6 Comments
Jane Motsinger
Hi Wendy,
Thank you for sharing your morning symphony concert with us! I heard Eastern Towhee, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Parula, a wood thrush and the rooster!
May your move back to town be smooth and your memories of months in the woods close.
Blessings,
Jane Motsinger
admin
Oh, Jane, I was so hoping that someone with a birding ear would listen and be able to identify these calls. Thank you!! We are officially moved as of a few days ago (hence my delay in responding), but still surrounded by boxes and way, way too much stuff! My new backyard is offering some surprises that I’ll write about soon, so please keep reading!
Blessings,
Wendy
Rosemary
Sounds like a wonderful change, Wendy. Wishing you both well—maybe a trip north this summer for some beach time?……see you,maybe!
admin
Thank you, Rosemary, and some beach time sounds great, especially after our move! Best wishes to you and your family!
Wendy
Nancy Crowley
Hi Wendy, Love to listen to the birds. My grandson Jack & I were sitting on our back deck yesterday and we were listening to some birds that sounded like they were “talking” to each other. Jack said that hearing them sounded very relaxing & he is 14!!!
admin
Oh, Nancy, what a great story! Sounds like a lovely way to leave technology behind and spend time with your grandson. Way to go, Jack!!
All best to you and your wonderful family,
Wendy