Today’s photo, another one from my December trip to Panama, showcases intricate details of the lush tropical landscape. What it doesn’t convey is nature’s music. Somewhere, unseen in this image, birds are singing.
It’s symbolic of how life works: Sometimes we hear but don’t see, or see but don’t fully hear.
Birds, with their vibrant plumage and melodic voices, connect us to the world. Yet, as I grow older, I’ve learned that even their seemingly cheerful songs tell complex stories.
This Sunday, January 5, marks National Bird Day, a day created in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition to highlight the challenges many birds face, such as habitat loss, illegal pet trading, and disease. It’s a day to reflect on how we can support our feathered friends while celebrating their beauty and resilience.
A bird’s song, while pretty to our ears, often carries a deeper meaning. These calls can be territorial warnings or cries for a mate—not all cheerful sounds are as carefree as they seem. Similarly, in life, we often mask struggles beneath outward appearances.
In honor of National Bird Day and the lessons birds teach us, here are some ways to balance sound and silence this weekend:
Take a Mindful Listening Walk: Head to a park or trail and focus on the symphony of bird calls around you. Try to identify them using apps like Merlin Bird ID.
Create a Bird-Friendly Space: Set up a feeder, birdbath, or native plants to invite birdsongs into your daily life.
Learn About Bird Conservation: Visit the National Bird Day website to learn about the threats birds face and how you can help.
Celebrate Balance: Dedicate part of your weekend to quiet, reflective moments, balancing the liveliness of birdsongs with stillness.
Appreciate the Complexity of Birdsongs: Remember that what sounds cheerful may carry weighty meanings. Let this inspire empathy when we interact with people.
As you move through the weekend, let the songs of birds remind you of the delicate balance between joy and struggle, sound and silence.
Two Links Du Jour
Avian Welfare Coalition – National Bird Day
Two Minutes Du Jour 
2 responses to “Wishing You a Weekend of Bird Songs and Balance”
Such a Beautiful message!!
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Thanks, Janet, and Happy New Year. We’ll have to get a walk and talk on the calendar – maybe we’ll hear some birds on the trail.
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