How Often Do You Stop and Listen To The Birds Singing?

@wolfie34 (26771)
United Kingdom
May 10, 2009 9:52am CST
When was the last time you actually stopped what you were doing whether you were indoors and went outside into your garden/yard/street to listen to the birds singing? Or if you were out somewhere and you heard birds singing in the tree, how often do you stop and listen? How often do you walk past the ocean and stop and take deep breaths of the wonderful smells the ocean gives us? How often do you go to the park or commonground or fields to feed the wild animals? Taking bread to feed the ducks, taking titbits for horses, squirrels, birds etc... In this fast paced world we live in it's so easy to take what Mother Nature has given us for granted and not to stop and take it all in Do you ever take time out to really appreciate what is around us in our environment? It also reduces stress and has a calming affect when we actually stop and admire what mother nature is providing us, even if it's going out into the garden and smelling the beautiful flowers and the blossom on the trees what she has given us is truly remarkable and yet how many of us notice at just what she provides us on a daily basis?
2 people like this
24 responses
@nannacroc (4049)
10 May 09
I listen to birdsong daily. There's not much ocean in the Midlands but the day we spent at Brighton we enjoyed the sounds and movements of the sea. I get distracted by clouds and I love to see the dew on a spiders web in the morning. My dads favourite thing to do was walk in the countryside, avoiding cows etc., we didn't like them much. From the time my first child was born I began noticing even more so that I could share these things with her, I now share them with my grandsons. I have put this poem on MyLot before but it seems appropriate here too. I Wonder I wonder where the wonder goes As we start to grow. I wonder where the wonder goes I wonder. Do you know? The wonder of a spiders web Bejewelled in the morn. The wonder of how seeds can grow Into barley, wheat and corn. Can we keep the wonder, The wonder of a child? Can we keep the joy of it? And go wondering wild. I wonder why the wind is I wonder why it's there. I wonder if the wind can Blow away our cares. I wonder where the sun goes When the moon is in the sky. Are the sun and moon friends? If not I wonder why. Isn't it wonderful The wonder of a child? Let's try and keep the joy of it And go wondering wild. I think that sums up how I feel about the world around us.
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@nannacroc (4049)
10 May 09
Glad you liked the poem. Just pass the wonder on to the people you meet.
1 person likes this
@nannacroc (4049)
11 May 09
Thank you,General.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
10 May 09
Thank you for your wonderful poem, yes truly apt and appreciated. Yes the sparkle of seeing the world through a child's eyes, so sad how as adults we lose it. The wonder the enthusiasm, the awe and the little things that used to give us so much joy.
1 person likes this
@tyc415 (5706)
• United States
10 May 09
It has been awhile since we have gone to feed the ducks at the park not too far from us that has them but I am thinking when my grandson comes for his summer visit that we may go do that. As for the birds singing, that is every day for me. I go out on the patio often during the day just to watch the birds and listen to them. We have many birds around here and have put up two feeders for them plus water and a bird bath. I do love to listen to the birds. I also have two hummingbird feeders up but they don't sing but they are beautiful to watch. There is also a squirrel who comes here to eat and drink. Yes, Mother Nature is great.
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@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
10 May 09
On A Wednesday I go to our local park where there are ducks and Canadian Geese and I always take a packet of bread with me, they must know me because when they see me they come straight for me, they are always hungry, there's plenty of bread for them but they do squabble! I find it very calming and I feel good afterwards for doing it. I often stop and listen to birds when out walking.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
11 May 09
You've made me feel so guilty, wolfie, because I know what you say is true, but I've been feeling so down lately that I've not taken the opportunity to get out and commune with nature as I usually do. All is not lost, however, for i plan to get out the first thing tomorrow. Who knows? It might even lift my spirits somewhat. I used to enjoy sitting on a bench and listening to the birds sing very much. I've never had the pleasure of walking on a beach but it does sound absolutely wonderful. Thank you for reminding me.
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@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 May 09
My pleasure my friend, I always try and walk along the beach and then paddle in the sea when I go to my retreat, regardless of the season. I love the ocean and I feel so healthy after breathing in the sea air, so exhilerating.
• India
10 May 09
I think I do that everyday! I don't actually stop working..I can't afford to! But I do listen, especially early in the morning as I work and as I walk my dog. I love all these nature sounds, and where I live, you can hear the peacocks too. Cheers and happy Mylotting
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
10 May 09
I've never heard a peacock my friend. And happy Mylotting too!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157553)
• United States
10 May 09
Boy, Peacocks are messy birds. I had a friend that had some on her small farm. I like to hear them, even if they do sound weird.
@suzzy3 (8342)
12 May 09
All the time now and it is beautiful listening to birds and watching them in the garden.When I was in the rat race never noticed anything like that,and realise how much I missed out on.We have a big garden where my husband has made bird boxes, put out feeders and our garden is a joy to be in.When we go on holiday we always pick a country site and it is lovely just to sit and listen to the birds,I am so lucky to have the time,to notice all the wonderful things nature has to offer.It does destress better than anything I have come across,The colours in the hedgerows and all the rabbits and other animals running in the fields.
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@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
20 May 09
What a wonderful thing your hubby has done! Not many men would do that I have to say and yet you both reap the rewards of putting up bird boxes and feeders, I expect you attract a lot of wildlife to your garden.
@suzzy3 (8342)
21 May 09
We have Goldfinches and they are beauful plus a dove is nesting on our sky dish attached to our wall.With a little baby in it how wonderful is that.x
• Philippines
11 May 09
i listen to the birds singing everyday. right now i can hear them sing. though we're in an urbanized city we live in a subdivision that's still like a farm. and we have many trees around our lot so we can always hear birds singing. it's very relaxing here coz we're almost half a kilometer away from the highway so it's quiet here, and we can clearly hear the birds sing.
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 May 09
Even in the city you can still hear the birds sing, I would hate to live in a place where you couldn't hear the birds sing or have parks to visit, it would be so empty. I like the countryside or living near the ocean.
@Celanith (2327)
• United States
11 May 09
I live in the mountains and have the great pleasure of hearing the birds singing, seeing pretty flowers growing in the wild and taking walks with my grandkids and husband. We take along a camera. I hear them sing and enjoy the beauty of the wind soughing through the cedar trees when I hang clothes on the line and feel the sunshine and see fat fluffy clouds in a blue sk free of pollution and smog and hear the creek across the country road singing along as it winds through wooded areas where there are ducks, raccoon and other wildlife. I see moose and deer out my back door. It is peaceful and calming
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
12 May 09
I think it's great when you take children for walks with you so that you can get them to appreciate nature at a young age, and it's wonderful seeing life through a child's perspective. I used to love it when I was working at a school taking the children out for walks to appreciate their environment and countryside.
@max1950 (2306)
• United States
10 May 09
receintly every day lately, the cardinals are resting on the windows pecking at their reflection, the eagles are at cape haze this time of year nesting and giving birth, you should see those baby's catch fish in the lagoon, sa,weeeet. a few months ago the sparrows were here for the winter, thousands in a group flying around eating every flying bug in site, you couldnt even see the sky, so cool, but their gone now, but the hawks and osprey's are always here, oh we have a few very large owl's that sit on the dock rail's at nite, 6=7 ft wingspan picking off armadillos at nite, hoot hoot. i was born and raised in the ramapo mt.s of north jersey and n.y. state and thats what i miss most, but i can always go up for the leaf change in aug- oct. we do have parks but nothing like up north, even georgia has outstanding parks and the carolina's.. north west georgia for white water rafting. we went down the river in deliverance, oh paddle faster i hear banjo's
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 May 09
Wow! Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading that, you are lucky to be able to see so much, truly a sight for sore eyes indeed.
@seabeauty (1480)
• United States
10 May 09
Oh every day! I hear the birds sing when I get up in the morning. As a matter of fact, I have a birds nest on my porch. Second one now and I always peek outside the window to see the birds. Not only do I admire the birds but I also love the sound of the rain and enjoy the sound of it. So relaxing. Both have a calming effect on me that is for sure. I hope everyone gets a chance to really take the time to enjoy nature.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 May 09
There are some birds I don't like to hear I have to admit, magpies are one bird that make a terrible racket!
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
12 May 09
It's why I live where I do Wolfie. I live in a little village in the bush and I love the serenity. At the moment though, it's very early in the morning, it's very cold, my fire is poor and the roosters are making a racket! I never cease to appreciate the world in which I live and I marvel that I am so lucky to be living where I do. Being born and raised in the city makes me in awe of where I am now...it's a long drive to the shops and coming home I can't help but look around me at the vast expanses of country side, the cows in the paddocks, sheep too. There are eagles living near the road and wildflowers growing. There are emus across the road and kangaroos morning and night and many birds. I am so lucky to notice all these things because so many people don't have that gift and take Nature's gifts for granted.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
12 May 09
Sometimes my friend I try to imagine a world with just me in it and no one else apart from every creature and everything mother nature has given us. I think I would love to go to this world when I am hurting and just be surrounded by birdsong, the ocean and animals but no humans, that would be my slice of heaven.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
12 May 09
That's how I actually feel sometimes mate...I do miss the sea though as I'm way inland. I hope to travel around Australia one day and take lots of photos so I can make some wonderful memories.
@cdparazo (5765)
• Philippines
11 May 09
Sometimes I forget too to appreciate God's grace. Most of the time I am reminded on His grace by something that I read, saw on the street or by some people around me that life is wonderful and I should take time to savor it. Just yesterday, I was so busy with doing household chores that I almost missed playing with my children our 2 dalmatians. There is just so much joy indeed and stopping for a while and hear the birds sing or in my case, play with our dogs.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 May 09
We all need time out from our busy schedules to appreciate nature at her finest.
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
11 May 09
Hello wolfie. I hear birds singing every day, from early morning to late afternoon or early evening. I live near a small river with a lot of greens on both side. Every day different kinds of birds are seen and heard. I love to see and hear them, which is enjoyable to me. Just now, a little sparrow dropped by the edge of my window singing for a little while and then it flew away. Enjoy your life, wolfie.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 May 09
Thank you for sharing William. I have been busy digging in the garden and the birds all wait till I have gone in then they will find tasty titbits and grubs from the dug over garden, so I hope they will sing for me now I've got their supper for them!±
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
12 May 09
The older I get, the more I DO notice all these lovely things you mention, Wolfie. We have lots of birds in our garden, and I love watching them and listening to them. There are huge flocks of seabirds which pass overhead too - and when I go for my evening walks lately, there are large flocks of bats moving from tree to tree and settling for the night.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
12 May 09
Wow, I've never seen a bat, they are protected species here in the UK. As long as they don't have big teeth and have a penchant for blood of the human variety LOL!
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
13 May 09
Hahaa - I think you'd be safe with these ones - they're flying foxes - fruit bats, and I think they're vegetarian! They can be quite spooky flying overhead in the dark - and they make quite a noise, too!
@sulynsi (2671)
• Canada
11 May 09
Thank you for this lovely post. I grew up in the city and didn't really see a lot of variety in animal life. There was a beautiful park with geese, swans and ducks close to home and it was a lovely treat to walk in the park and bring something to feed the birds.They don't let you do that any more because the Canada Geese in the area were getting too numerous. Children named a small parkette in our area "Goose Poo Park"! Now that we live in the country, we enjoy the sounds of nature much more. last night we could hear a chorus of spring peepers! We actually can go out and see masses of stars when it is very dark. NO light pollution. I had never seen the Northern Lights before we came here. We live about 10 minutes walk from the ocean and I love to take my dogs walking along the beaches in the warm weather. I had the opportunity just this morning to reflect on the amazing detail in flowers, such as the daffodil. Truly, creation has many beautiful sights and sounds to delight the mind and heart.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 May 09
Wow you are so lucky to be living near the ocean. Our local park has canadian geese they are so big especially when they get close to you it's like don't peck me with that beak! I like to feed the ducks on the way to the gym so I take bread with me, they must know me by now as they are always hungry and waiting for me!
@GardenGerty (157553)
• United States
10 May 09
I have been observing the birds a lot, since January, in fact. Although we had lingering cold, our robins (different from your robins) were back from migration early and in great plenitude. I hear them singing every morning. Cardinals are big around here, as well. I am fortunate to live in a community that has lots of opportunities to see wildlife. I hope you are enjoying the beauty where you are as well.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 May 09
I was out in the garden today and no doubt the birds will be around as I have dug up lots of grubs and worms etc for them, so I hope they sing for their supper!
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
11 May 09
Hi wolfie, I can assure you that I don't do it often enough. I especially love to hear the birds singing but I also like to listen to the bees as they travel from flower to flower. Once in a while I will get to go into the woods, perhaps fishing by a lake or river, it is than that nature really comes alive for me and the fishing itself of less importance. Blessings.
@dieorfly (763)
• Slovak Republic
10 May 09
Actually I am doing this lately quite often. Well especially the part about bird singing, it is not exactly from my own incentive. It is more because I am closed home for about 1 week, and i am learning for final state examination. While i am learning I have opened window and I hear a lots of bird singing. I am hearing it right now as well. It is because there is quite a lot of birds here in neighborhood. It is relaxing for me.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 May 09
Enjoy your relaxing and I hope the birds have a good song for you!
@user_786 (1338)
11 May 09
singing of birds have beautiful sound and they catch attention of everyone passing by. i do not and never stopped before just for listening thier sound but the sound really want me to listen to it for more time whenever possible
• United States
11 May 09
Nature is amazing and beautiful! I am always aware of the sounds and movements of my environment. We should all take time to enjoy and understand nature and our environment. After all, it is our home and the wildlife is part of that as well.
10 May 09
I love it! I do it every time I can. Usually I open my window wide in the early morning and there is allready birds concerto in my garden. Actually all neighbourhood is filled by tweetin', chirping and all that chatter in the air. It is absolutely amazing when birds do that. If you sit down for a while and listen to it you can easily deduct from the sort of difrent tones a various modes of communication and proabably an passed away information about their activities or whatever you can imagine:) By any means I do enjoy going out to the nature places and doing exactly same. Today I just came back from a trip to a nearest lake and I was there sitting with friends who were fishing on the side and we were laughin' from all those sounds coming out from nearby grass... it was almost like a music withe groovy croakin' and gaggle on top with trill and tweedling about. It was very much composed into musical shapes and i was thinking what kind of musical form i could classify them to:)
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 May 09
You feel so relaxed afterwards don't you, I see it as a form of escapism and if you clear your mind and just listen to the birds you can take yourself away into a relaxed state that is deeply bliss. I am sure you can get so much from studying them and yes it's communication that is so alien to us, I wonder what the birds make of human noises? Interesting.