I hope the feeling of anticipation I have as I climb the stairs to our cottage loft room at night is one I will never loose. It’s not as you may have thought the ‘anticipation of passion’, although the Lord of the Manor has just had a restyle with a hint of ‘George Clooney’ about him. No, it is the anticipation of laying in bed and listening to the sounds of the Peak District nighttime choir that has me running eagerly up those stairs (sorry Mark), and oh what a glorious ensemble it is.
With no traffic noise to contend with, apart from the odd late night tractor trundling its way home, the vast skies become a stage for one of Mother Natures unbeatable performances, as the sound of birdsong fills the air. I have never heard anything so uplifting, yet relaxing, so cacophonous yet utterly melodious. Birdsong is known to be physically relaxing but also cognitively stimulating, relaxing us at night and a great natural alarm clock in the morning.
I’ve yet to learn how to distinguish between the different sounds and be able to put a bird to its song, but the one I absolutely love and wait for which tends to be heard as the others are settling down for the night is the Owl. I don’t know if I have ever heard one at such close quarters but I am totally transfixed by the sound as it carries across the night sky. “Twit twoo” was the only description of an owls voice in my mind, gleaned from childhood stories, however listening to the real thing “Twit twoo” seems a little lacking in its description of such a dominant, haunting sound which commands the landscape as it travels for miles around. It’s more like “Hellooooooo ….. is anyone out there?” “Hellooooooo ….. can anyone hear me? I lay and listen to the pattern and count the beats between the two hoots, Mr owls perfect musical timing fascinates me.
A few weeks ago someone asked me why we would want to move here. My answer to that would be that it is worth being here just for the joy of listening to those birds, and I hope I never lose the feeling I have as I climb those stairs and listen in wonder to the Peak District Nighttime Choir.
Love Alison x
Through rose tinted glasses. 
What a peaceful melody. It sets the soul at ease. Night sounds of the countryside are like no other. I am still in marvel after 20 years of listening.
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It really is spectacular here Lisa, im seeing the dramatic side of the countryside in lots of ways, but loving it.
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You have your own symphonic orchestra Alison. It must be heaven.
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It really is an amazing sound Len, so different from the birdsong in the city.
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Country living is not the quiet, reclusive life people think. It’s actually full of life, fantastic sounds and weather.
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It certainly is.
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Such a delightful post, Alison – you’re attuned to the song of Mother Earth!
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I guess I am Eliza, more so living here as we are surrounded by her good work.
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So very beautiful.
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Thank you. I appreciate your comments. It really is lovely.
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Blessings. 🙂
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Birdsong and sunset. Just beautiful. I love your comment about them being cognitively stimulating. Good for the mind and good for the soul.
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It sounds like you have found your home indeed, Alison 🙂
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Thanks Christy. Hope your keeping well. Its certainly a beautiful place x
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I love birdsong! Fabulous pictures.
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Thak you. It really is a joy to hear.
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I can feel the excitement of entering the cottage loft room at night. What a beautiful experience.
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Alison, you’ll never lose that sense of wonder … just become more attuned to the various sounds, their meanings! It is incredible to live in midst of nature, to fall asleep to birdsong, to waken to it! Enjoy and let Mr Owl know that yes, you can hear him! 😀 A post brimming with joy and happiness, I wish you a wonderful time in your new abode. xx
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Thank you for your lovely comment Annika. I almost don’t want to fall asleep, Mr owl certainly keeps going all night, he must be exhausted by morning.
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Yes, I feel the same way you do. I don’t have as much open space as you do, but we are surrounded on two sides with woods, and we have three bird feeders, and I love to just sit on my porch rocking chair and watch. Listen. Enjoy. They are SO busy this time of year with nests and feeding their young. They rush back and forth from our feeders to their home, singing lustily all along. And the hummingbirds! They actually hover over their water that we prepare them and stare into our eyes as if saying THANK YOU. Yet, they are the ones I thanks. And you – beautiful post.
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It sounds lovely where you are. Thank you for reading and enjoying my post, birds really do give us all a lot of pleasure if we take the time to stop and look.
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Nothing can beat the sound of birds dawn chorus!
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Its amazing isnt it.
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It sure is, best mood booster ever!
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It is so lovely to read you and feel your excitement Alison. And that sky… Oh my, it is awesome! Seems like you have found a peace of heaven.
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Being surround by green fields on all sides and wildlife and nature is certainly a slice of heaven for me.
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Enjoy it Alison. You deserve it. Have a wonderful week ahead.
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