Cicada Concert

I admit it readily. I like the sound of those cicadas that come up every 13 years. Indeed, it does sound like a UFO taking off, as one friend suggested. My wife believes it sounds like a large generator in the back yard.

I, though, really enjoy the sound, as it is yet another member of the larger orchestra of nature that performs for me, and you, freely every day.

The symphony begins each morning in a sprightly fashion. Song birds fill the air outside my house with a sound that never ceases to bring a smile to my face. Chickadees, finches, sparrows, bluebirds all merrily announcing that a new day has sprung, morning has broken.

Even the horn of the bluejay is welcome, as it adds to the chorus in its own unique way. All these birds join in along with their feathered friend, the rooster, who proudly trumpets the majesty of the rising sun.

The afternoon act is often filled with the hummingbird. Its miniature squeak, squeak, squeak in a high treble voice lifts the chorus to a higher pitch, while the sound of its wings adding two different sounds to the air. First, the whosh of air as the minute birds blaze past me in furious speed, chasing each other in glorious fun.

Secondly, the motor sound, like drumbeats, as the wings beating quickly allow the bird to hover in place while it dines on the nectar in the feeder outside my window.

Dusk arrives, and the song takes on a different timber. Crickets rubbing their hind legs along the creek in my backyard, reminding me of childhood memories at my own house, long years ago. Tree frogs play their own part, as well, bringing a deep bass tone to the approaching night air.

Finally, as I slide into bed, I relax as the whippoorwills call to each other in the fields surrounding my house. Their beautiful sound continues to amaze me, and I often try not to fall asleep too soon, as I might miss some of their mysterious song. Of late, two owls have joined in on the concert, as they, too, echo back and forth, like two lost lovers, calling to each other for direction.
This daily concert is one that makes me feel young again, each time I sit down to listen. I scold myself when I tune the noises out, or when I simply don’t hear them due to simply being too busy to pay attention.

The concert is a gift, and one that I don’t take lightly. God has blessed us with the sound of the music of nature. Sit down this weekend, take time to listen, be grateful for God’s gift, and let the memories of your youth wash over you. Enjoy.