March 2025 SOLC–Day 23
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click click click
The sound pulls me out of my notebook. Is that a bird call of sorts or a bird rebuke? Do I need to fill the feeders?
I tune in. The Carolina wren doesn’t disappoint, releasing its buoyant call, and seemingly within moments, bird song erupts from all over the yard. It crescendos and soon there is a full chorus of song. A burst of trills and calls before the sun has even cleared the horizon. This joyous morning spring chorus never fails to make me smile.
I take the hint and move outside to fill the feeders, then remain outside to watch the wren. It perches atop the tangle of wisteria vines. Periodically, it tilts its head back and sings, a full feathered vibration from head to tail, its entire body engaged in song making. (Click on the photo if you want to hear its song!)
Every morning I have a front row seat to a free symphony. All I have to do these days is tune in. So I stay outside, in my robe and slippers, and let the bird song wash over me–my shoulders relax and shift downward. The omnipresent weight of stress lightens and drifts away. I listen to the wren, and watch the aerial parade of birds–cardinals, jays, mourning doves, titmice, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, house finches, and more! Beneath the feeders, the gorgeous russet fox sparrows scratch through the leaf litter. I thrill at the sight of these infrequent visitors.
Then, through the trees, I see a flash of white and a muscular pulse of large wings. Is that an eagle? I walk slowly over to the side yard and Yes! It is! I watch a bald eagle settle into the top of a nearby pine. Standing there, I hear the call of geese, now winging northward, and watch their V fly overhead through a crisscross of overhead branches.
Eventually I wander out back and see a flash of blue. Oh! A bluebird is at the birdhouse. Will he nest? He pokes his head in and out, scoping out its potential. I marvel at his indigo feathers and warm rusty chest.
A quick glance reveals that the eagle departed while I wasn’t watching. Meanwhile, the Carolina wren continues to sing. It’s changed its location, but I can still hear it, and the red bellied woodpecker calls repeatedly from the tall trees in the front yard. I can’t see either of them now amidst the tangle of trunks and branches. Still, the knowledge of their presence, and their song, is a gift. When I take the time to listen.
Nix the comfort zone 
Such a gift! (no less the wren than the eagle)
Yesterday in the woods at John Bryan, we were suddenly surrounded by a sweet tittering. I quickly opened Merlin on my phone and…Golden Crowned Kinglets! We never did see them, but their songs were more than enough.
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The Carolina wren has been brightening my mornings all winter long. It’s so loud that it makes me laugh. Such a sassy delight of a bird! And Yay to Merlin–I had my app on yesterday morning and loved watching the flood of birds appear. I love that you were surrounded by a chorus of kinglets 🙂
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Wow– you’ve got so much to listen to and see. I’ve only seen a bald eagle once when I was in … Maine! They’re around in CT, and I always look. I’ll get my husband to put the bluebird houses up today. I love watching them. No feeders allowed in my town with the bears that are around.
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We see eagles pretty regularly, but I never take it for granted. Bluebirds have become more common but we’ve definitely never had any nest here before.
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To be living within a bird sanctuary, surrounded by a world of joyful bird songs sounds heavenly!
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The morning symphony really has picked up lately! Today we have a spring snow storm and the birds are so active at the feeders!
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You are definitely appreciating the sounds and images in your yard. I can see you, in my mind, standing near the railing in your bathrobe with coffee in hand capturing the beauty of nature in words and pictures. Lovely
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I spend more time than is normal outside in my pjs! lol
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Your post brings all the excitement of birds and nature. All the new rage of forest bathing really can be just as therapeutic through birdwatching and the surprises it brings – – like eagles!! Oh, what a majestic sight! You are blessed to live in such a beautiful area of the country where you can see these lovely birds unfurl their wings and fly.
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Having moved to Maine as an adult, I fully appreciate the wonders that surround me!
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What a glorious gift from nature to awaken to in the morning. I love the cardinals wren sound. It’s comforting and a much sweeter alarm than the phone. Your photos are amazing. An eagle? WOW! And that beautiful bluebird. Such a beautiful bird. We only get doves and starlings visiting our feeder right now. It’s still cold here. There’s also a greedy squirrel that likes bird seed.
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It’s still cold here as well, and we’re actually having a snow storm right now. It’s amped up the activity at the feeder.
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I love birds too – and these are beautiful. In Florida recently, I spied red-masked parrots. It was the highlight of my trip.
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I’ve never even heard of red-masked parrots. They sound amazing! I can see why they’d be the highlight of your trip!
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I love the variety of birds and birdsong in your place! (And that an eagle just sets down in a tree in your yard.) I was just noticing the unique cries of the hawks in our neighborhood the other day. Not quite birdsong, but a distinctive call that got my attention! Thanks for sharing your bird symphonies with the rest of us!
Kim
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We do see eagles a lot, but not often right in the yard. That was a definite treat. Our most recent hawk sighting was a harrier hawk hunting over some local fields. So much fun to watch!
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Molly, I love how you have learned the sounds of the birds and can appreciate the concerts when you tune in. Those photos of the eagle and bluebird are amazing. I’ve not seen these birds in my neck of the woods, but I have seen bald eagles in Iowa and British Columbia.
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The Carolina wren’s song is readily identifiable, but I definitely struggle with bird songs. It’s a standing joke in the family.
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The skillful photography of these avians! Another good lesson to slow down and enjoy our natural world.
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