I camped up on the plateau last night. First time camping in maybe 8 years and haven’t camped up there in closer to 40. It was weird though. No crickets. No tree frogs. That iconic wall of noise at night. Gone.
The only sounds were intermittent motorcycles, trucks, trains, barges and planes. Everything you don’t want to hear and none of the things you do.
It was depressing. It’s been bothering me all day and we had them last year. Is it just my area or is this the new norm?
A few years ago, during the spring and summer I’d wake up at 4:30-6 in the morning to the sound of birds. Now it’s quiet. I don’t think I know anyone else who has noticed or cares.
All I hear are the sounds of motors… I hate motors.
It makes me sad and feeling a bit empty.
I came down from the hill at about 3:15am listening to the American Robins sing their song and the Northern Cardinals calling out their territories. Occasionally, a wood thrush could be heard. It was nice, and I wanted to stay, but I wanted coffee too…
We have a few Eastern Barred Owls that live somewhere on the plateau. I haven’t found their roost yet, but I see them a lot. I did not hear them last night to fix a location.