Here in the forest, the soundscape is often comprised mostly of birdsongs–quite likely where you are as well–and this simple fact reminds us how incredibly important birds are to us. To our sense of home. Of well-being. Of living in a world of beauty, where things fit together and support one another in a living balance. Where music is a normal, daily part of life. Where color and movement and the magic of flight are as well. Where mystery is a foundational truth. And more things than I can name.

The spring season is perhaps the best of all to enjoy the soundscape here at the COP. The return of the migrants from their incredible journeys adds anticipation and excitement to each day. This morning, along with all our Church regulars-chickadees and crows and jays and nuthatches and nearly every sort of woodpecker, along with the sounds of geese from the river, and wood ducks and the occasional rattling of the belted kingfisher or the high overhead calling of swans or Sandhill cranes, we have the singing of the gray catbird. A beautiful singer, he entrances with a seemingly endless waterfall of music, occasionally interrupted by a cat-like ‘meeow’ of course.

The bright and glorious Baltimore oriole sings and chatters boldly all day long. This past week we heard, in the hush of evening, the spiraling song of the Swainson’s thrush, and I’ve been waiting to hear it again ever since–but I’m afraid he’s moved on to the great North Woods. But my favorite of all woodland singers–the wood thrush–is still here, trilling songs from heaven, the woods echoing with their beauty each morning and evening.

There are more voices, of course. The eagles squauk and chirp from high in their their nest tree. The red and gray squirrels scold from the pine boughs. Occasional indigo buntings and redstarts are heard. And always, through all the months save the deep of winter–and sometimes even then–our exceptional Church Choir Soloist, Sparky the Cardinal, brightens the day with his voice and his beauty. There he is now. Reminding us, if we should ever forget, just how important birds are. And how lovely is a soundscape.