Song Birds

As a little girl, I vividly remember lying in bed in our big farmhouse listening to the whippoorwill sing outside my window.  While some found it annoying, I took pleasure and assuredness in its song. And I’m not the only one.  Did you know there are health benefits to listening to songbird

It’s true. Birdsongs and other nature sounds are played in nursing homes, psychiatric centers, schools and even work places for the benefits it brings in terms of relaxation and stress reduction.

Research in environmental psychology and neurobiology has demonstrated that exposure to natural soundscapes, particularly birdsong, can have a restorative effect on human health. Songbirds produce complex sequences of notes, trills, and whistles, often with regular rhythmic patterns that the brain finds soothing and engaging. Compared to synthetic or urban noises, bird sounds are less likely to trigger stress responses and more likely to foster relaxation.In addition to stress reduction, birdsongs improve mood, enhance cognitive restoration, lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve sleep quality and enhance immune function.

While many people enjoy bird songs, others find the spotting of birds to be equally soothing.  My dear friend Crystal Treptow Grode is a professional photographer and takes many photos of birds in their beautiful property, Grode's Blue Water Haven. (She took the photo attached to this article).

Crystal has another reason to watch birds, in particular Cardinals.  She wrote, “One of the easiest to spot, the male with its red color, is probably the favorite of most. Its song is also very distinguishable amongst the songbirds. In Wisconsin, you can see them year round and they mate for life. It is said that when you see a cardinal, it is someone who has passed coming to visit you.  I too have taken this stand with the cardinal.

“When the male shows up, I think of my dad. Losing my dad when I was 21, I find it reassuring that he comes to see me. If the female shows up, I think of my maternal grandmother, who was very family orientated. I have bird feeders outside my home office window and on most days, a cardinal shows up. During this time, I recall fond memories of my dad or grandmother and even have conversations with them. I rarely mourn the loss of two of the most important people in my life because the cardinals show up filling my heart, mind, and soul with happy memories and a warm, fuzzy feeling of love.”

Isn’t that beautiful? What about you? How can you add more nature sounds to your life?  Visit a park.  Spend more time sitting outside and practice mindful listening. Install a bird feeder near a window. Participate in birdwatching clubs. The possibilities and benefits are endless, especially when facing life challenges.