March 2026 SOLC–Day 23
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I step outside, and a flock of grackles departs from the feeders in an audible rush of flashing wings. They halt their flight in a nearby treetop, perching like dark buds, and as I walk down the driveway their squeaky-gate calls fill the crisp air. They are raucous and discordant, and it makes me smile. They’re so dang noisy!
Listening to them reminds me that I have a bit of a conundrum. You see, I’ve been working hard to get back into a daily habit of walking, but one way I’ve encouraged myself to do that recently, is by bribing myself with listening time on my audiobook. In the past, I’ve always frowned on this practice, feeling like it undermines the whole point of getting outside, and being in the moment. But since the weather has been less than lovely here, and I’ve been unmotivated, a bribe has been necessary to get my butt out the door and moving. It’s been pretty effective.
Hearing the grackles reminds me that I have no doubt been missing a lot when I walk with an audiobook pouring its story into my ears. I’m definitely not hearing much, other than the narrators, and it strikes me that I’m probably noticing less as well. My mind is turned inward to a story vision, not outward to the world around me. I don’t like that inattentiveness, even if it does aid in the cause of exercise.
Suitably berated by the grackles, I walk down the driveway, listening to the steady beat of my boots. I hear how the tone changes when I hit the concrete at the street. In the distance I hear crows calling and the squawk of a bluejay. Maybe I’ll wait a little before turning on my book, I think, holding my phone loosely in my hand.
As I walk, I listen attentively to what’s around me. I can feel my other senses kick up a notch, too. It’s just beginning to snow. I feel the sting-kiss of the snowflakes hitting my cheeks, and hear the slight brushing sound they make as they land on my coat. I feel the vibration of my steps rising through my legs. Someone has their wood stove going, and its smoke scents the air. I scan the fields and watch a large bird take off from a distant hummock. Was that an eagle? I hear intermittent bird calls–red bellied woodpecker, chickadees, and some other unknowns.
Suddenly, I hear a different call. “Conk-la-ree! Conk-la-ree!”Wait, wait! I know that sound! It takes a beat for my brain to catch up, but then the puzzle pieces slot swiftly into place. Oh! It’s red-winged blackbirds! I keep walking, listening to their back-and-forth calls, and mentally mark another tally in the “Signs that Spring is coming!” column.
Then, I’m not sure if I hear something or see something, but some sense makes me turn away from the open fields on the left and toward a house on the right side of the street. There, standing together and watching me are five deer. I stop abruptly.
We stare at each other for a long moment, until suddenly, as a group, they turn and bolt into the adjacent woods in high lunging leaps, white tail flags flying. I listen to the crunch and crackle of their passage through the undergrowth until it fades away.
I can’t say I wouldn’t have noticed the deer if I’d been listening to my book, but I’m sure I wouldn’t have heard the blackbirds. I definitely wouldn’t have noticed much else of what was going on around me. The message is pretty clear. It’s time to enjoy what’s out here, not what’s in my book. I slip my phone into my pocket. The audiobook can wait.
Then I set off walking again. Who knows what awaits!?
Nix the comfort zone 
And we’re all the luckier that you listened and then recorded this walk. Thanks for the images, sounds, smells, etc. from your walk. Exercise and the world around you…and a slice. I think you got plenty out of this walk. The book will wait.
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This walk really impressed upon me that I was not just limiting sound with my audiobook. Sometimes I feel like I get caught in a cycle of pouring more and more into my brain. It’s not always healthy. Turning off the book, and tuning in to nature was a rewarding choice.
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I wrestle with this same idea when I go for my walk, often opting to keep my phone silent while enjoying the songs of the morning. I love the way you structure this piece around the message of the grackles. They are insistent.
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For some reason the grackles’ ruckus never fails to crack me up. I don’t have time to walk in the morning during the week, but I’ve noticed our morning choir is definitely upping the volume!
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Being a listener, a deep listener, is such a skill, and I think you’ve given me good reason to keep practicing it. Phone in pocket, ears opened, and I appreciate this reminder: “I can feel my other senses kick up a notch, too.”
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The other senses perking up was (pun intended) eye opening for me!
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I have a similar mental debate when I step out for my walks. I can’t concentrate on work if I’m listening to a podcast, so that walk becomes an opportunity to listen to an episode or an audiobook or some music to shake me out of a mood. But often, I enjoy just listening to the sounds around me.
Your slice and noticings made me want to take a similar sound-focused walk.
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It can be fun to walk and look for a color or shape, too. It’s too easy for me to keep pouring things into my brain rather than just experiencing what’s around me.
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I got so much more out of my morning walks in Maine when I went podcast-less. When I think of it on such walks, focus on my breathing, deeper breathing. Why I am just going out on a boardwalk here in Carpinteria and foregoing a podcast thanks to your inspiration.
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I hope you enjoyed your walk! I also realized that if I’m listening to a story, I’m digesting the author’s ideas, not weaving my own. Walks can be fertile ground for writing!
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What an invitation to turn off and listen. I never considered walking without a podcast or an audiobook. Thank you for bringing us along on your lovely heightened senses walk.
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Thanks! Walking with a book playing is very new to me. It gets me out when I’m unmotivated, but it definitely comes with a hidden cost!
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I enjoyed reading about how your senses awoke as you let moving. A beautiful reminder to stay present. There is so much to see…and hear!
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It was a great walk, and really brought home to me how much I miss when I’m not present in the moment!
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So fun to join you on this walk. You’re good at identifying the birds. Me, not so much. But I do love deer sightings and know the feeling of staring at each other. I paused on a busy street last week got a six deer crossing (and then two more).
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I’ve gotten better at bird ID over years of observing, but I do rely on the Merlin app too. It’s the best! Have you ever tried it? (Warning…it’s addictive!)
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Those deer! I love this conundrum. I, too, struggle with when to listen to a podcast and when to listen to the environment when I walk. Mostly I let the ocean sing and often listen to podcasts when I walk at UCSD. This morning I pulled out Merlin while I was getting ready for work since I could hear birdsong through the window. I was excited to confirm that the great horned owl was out there! (Merlin app is thanks to you!)
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I’d forgotten that I’d suggested Merlin to you. It’s the best, isn’t it!? How awesome that you are hearing a great horned owl!! I love when Merlin confirms my suspicions. Just the other day I was pretty sure I heard a woodcock and was delighted when Merlin heard it, too. Now if only I can catch sight of it…
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