16 Comments
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Penny J Leisch's avatar

They are adorable. I've had the pleasant surprise of seeing a few new birds since we installed our bird cam feeder. Some of them are either migratory or only come infrequently. My yard is in a hollow surrounded by trees, which isn't ideal for some species, and the feeder isn't easy to see from above.

Joanne Toft's avatar

Lovely song! I find the same slowing down when looking at a meadow of flowers. At first I miss most of them and the bright yellow grab my attention but with time the purples, pinks and whites show their colors. Thanks for sharing this post - love how you express that you see and hear!

Carole Lynn Simmons's avatar

Very beautifully said! Thank you for taking us out into the field!

Julie Zickefoose's avatar

Oh Diane. I don't know if you remember my HESP article in the inaugural issue of the new and improved BWD, but your gorgeous writing made it all come flooding back. Exactly how I feel about Henslow's sparrows and their "simple, insect-like song." It's anything but to me. And in your last video, I hear a bobwhite call three times, and *that* is everything. Thank you. Lucky, lucky you.

Diane Porter's avatar

Yes, I loved that cover, with the bird against the sky and the purple flowers. And I never told you how much I admired your portrait of killdeer and the invisible chicks and eggs. So good.

(Haiku Artist)'s avatar

Your post reminded me how much we miss because we listen only at our own speed.

Perhaps every ordinary sound is waiting for us to slow down enough to hear it.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful moment.

Al Batt's avatar

I love to hear the Henslow’s hiccups.

The Morning Walk's avatar

I love the recordings, Diane. Thanks for slowing it down. You can catch the essence of the song that way. I enjoyed your post. Thank you.

Sandy S's avatar

Diane the short click of the Henslow Sparrow reminds me of the sound of a young chick. Now I am wondering what a chick's voice might sound like, when slowed down? :-)

Diane Porter's avatar

That would be very interesting to try!

Marguerite Gunn's avatar

Diane, your writing and your photos are so quietly magnificent, I find my eyes are leaking at the beauty of them. I hope you are collecting these wonderful essays and photos into a book !

Diane Porter's avatar

Thank you Margie. This is my book.

Linda Sonrisa Jones's avatar

Oh god Diane, such beautiful writing. The supreme benefits of slowing down and listening, the poignancy of what is almost, but not, lost. Thank you, thank you. Riding the wave of the prairie…

Diane Porter's avatar

Mmm, riding the wave of the prairie... Nice, oh poet.

Juliet Wilson's avatar

How lovely! It's amazing how much music birds can pack into what to us sounds like a brief call.

Larry Stone's avatar

GREAT photos and recording, Diane! Fantastic that your have such delightful avian neighbors!