“In order to see birds it is necessary to become part of the silence.”

– Robert Lynd

birdfeeder

Silence hasn’t always come easy to me.  As a matter of fact, there are still some days when I need a little music (aka: noise) to maintain my forward momentum.

But now that I’m older I’ve definitely learned to appreciate the silence.  It’s amazing what I notice when I simply listen.  Crickets.  Breeze rustling leaves.  Kids laughing in the distance. Water lapping at the rocks.  And yes, the birds.

I was walking up from the dock yesterday when I paused to listen…there were two or three birds perched far up in the trees, whistling back and forth to one another.  Slightly behind me then another closer to the house, repeating their patterns over and over.  It was oddly mesmerizing, and I couldn’t help but wonder what they were telling each other.

One of my favorite times at the lake is breakfast.  Our dining room windows overlook both the lake and this bird feeder, so I can quietly sip coffee while gazing at the water and watching the birds come and go.  I’m not one of those people who can identify birds, but I do love watching their graceful movements and beautiful colors.  Dad says my mom’s cardinal has been coming to visit, and it’s nice to think we can remember her when that striking red bird makes his appearance.

It may have taken me a while to get here, but it’s wonderful to be able to sit quietly with myself and just be.  There’s so much beauty to be found in the silence.

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