Friday, October 12, 2007

Night sounds

Fall is slowly disrobing summer of her great green canopy and hushing the symphony of bird and insect life. Night sounds have diminished; there is only the slowing drone of crickets and the occasional soliloquy of a moonlit mockingbird. Instead of singing to an intended mate, as he did at night for most of the summer, his outburts now seem to be of complaint. I find myself wondering what it is that wakes him up like this, so indignant and bad-tempered. Is it the chill wind or is he startled awake by some unseen predator?

Very early in the morning, before dawn out with the pup, I sometimes hear the soft contact calls of the neighborhood cardinals and chip notes that come from the sky - no love songs these; they speak of cold and coming hunger. Within an hour the first chickadee is at the sunflower feeder and the mockingbird in his appointed place in the holly tree. Only the odd angle of the sunlight gives away that it's no longer summer, no longer the season of growth and abundance and love songs.

16 comments:

Susan Gets Native said...

Is it me, or did Fall fall with a thunk?
I don't remember the season changing so fast. But maybe our brains are all boiled from this summer. I think mine is.

Endment said...

Oh thank you for the soul food!

Anonymous said...

Wow! That is one of the best opening sentences I have ever read in my life.

JeanMac said...

Beautiful and thoughtful post, laura.

Jayne said...

Beautiful post Laura. For me this time of year is somehow reflective and contemplative in preparation for the coming of the new growth, abundance, and sweet love songs once again. It helps me to really look forward to and appreciate the spring that much more. Hopefully it will be mild.

Anonymous said...

I just love the night sounds! But those night sounds you hear this time of the year can startle you as in a horror movie! Leaves dropping and you are not sure if its a mammal or not, etc..

robin andrea said...

That's a beautiful photograph, Laura. It reflects a perfect fall mood. The seasons changed here some time ago. Already there are bare trees, and this morning the temp was 33F.

Larry said...

Is that a photograph?That is so cool and eerie looking.-Nice mood evoking post!

Mary said...

Laura,

I want to hug for for your ability to put into words the way we feel. I hear the soft sounds of the Cardinals and Mockingbirds now, unlike the harsh, robust sounds in their voices months ago. Suddenly, overnight, we are into another season. Another chapter is unfolding. Time to take care of hungry ones.

Love that photo.

LauraHinNJ said...

Susan: I'm very glad for the change to cooler weather - sudden or not!

Endment: Thanks. ;-)

BABird watcher: Thanks!

Jean: Hi! Thanks.

Jayne: I love the fall best and anticipate the cold! (Spring is nice too!)

Monarch: I've been hearing screech owls lately - they're always good for a startle!

Robin: Hi! The image is actually an oil painting I clipped from somewhere - last night was pretty chilly, my DH and I were curled up on the couch under a blanket.

Larry: Nope - a painting. Very moody - I agree.

Anonymous said...

The photo is jut perfect for your wonderful description of the autumn change. Nice work, Laura.

MojoMan said...

This is a keeper. I can't wait to see the published version of your best posts.

Cathy said...

Laura! That is so incredibly beautiful. BAB said it. That is truly breathtaking imagery. The incredible photo is worthy of the essay. Wow.

dguzman said...

That painting is beautiful, as is your writing. Nice work!

Taradharma said...

Laura, they've already said it all. I love this time of year, and you've captured it perfectly. That photo is haunting....

RuthieJ said...

Hi Laura,
Sitting on my deer stand at 5:30 last Saturday morning, I noticed the cardinal was the first songbird to start chirping also (after the barred owl finished his night-time performance). I love the night sounds too. It's fun learning to identify all of the different ones.