As January slides towards February, and Winter edges closer to Spring, the soundscape subtly changes. The other morning I noticed the incessant calls of a great tit along with the soft croons of a wood pigeon. Although both birds are around throughout the Winter, I don't recall hearing them much over the last few months. Certainly the call of the great tit is something I associate with the coming of spring. They begin to scout for breeding territory this month, so perhaps their sudden vocal presence is a way of asserting themselves.
It's not just the subtle changes in birdsong. Other January sounds are rain against the window, the pitter-patter of falling hailstones and the quiet hiss of snowfall. The dripping of thawing ice. The crunch of footsteps on frosted grass. The muting, muffling effects of fog. The sudden rush of wings as a flock of starlings pass by overhead.
Winter Blessings and Beauties: Day 84
January Soundscape
What is the January soundscape where you live? What are the specific sounds of the season? How does the weather contribute or affect the acoustics? How does the sound of human activity change in the winter? Which birds are or aren't singing or calling right now? What will sound different in Spring, in Summer, in Autumn? Which sounds are currently absent? Which sounds will change or disappear as we edge into Spring?
No comments:
Post a Comment