LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS OF NATURE
Nature sounds surround us while we are out on the water. If we pause long enough from reeling in fish and listen, some of those sounds will stir us and touch our souls.
The sound of a majestic eagle as it flies over the lake, searching for fish like we are. A turkey gobbling from a bluff while fishing back in a cove on a spring morning. A buck grunt or rattling antlers in the woods around the lake on a November day. A kingfisher’s rattling call as he flies up and down the shoreline. The haunting howl of a coyote while out night fishing.
Maybe it is the quacking of ducks as they settle onto the water. The honking of geese as they fly, headed south for the winter. The drumming sound of a woodpecker trying to attract a mate. The strange sound of a woodcock doing his sky dance to impress the ladies. I miss the sound of the bobwhite quail that I used to hear while out crappie fishing.
Songbirds add to nature’s chorus as we fish. Chickadees sing “chick-a-dee-dee-dee.” Cardinals join them with their “purdy-purdy-purdy.” The robins whistle “cheerup-cheery-cheerio-cheerup.” Tweets and whistles of all their friends soon join them in the chorus. The squeal of a red-tailed hawk can silence the bird music and cause squirrels to bark an alarm to their buddies.
As the darkness comes on the water, owls ask, “who, who, who cooks for you?” During the daytime, crows “caw, caw, caw,” and then caw some more. The sound of peeper frogs or a whip-poor-will means spring has arrived, and the crappie fishing will be good. The buzzing sound of hummingbird wings and their distinctive chirp will soon follow. The rhythmic sound of katydids and crickets echo through the night air.
The sounds of nature are not just from wildlife. Wind through the treetops. The booming thunder. A crack of lightning. Raindrops on the water. You may not be able to hear the sounds of nature unless you take a break from fishing to listen. Clear your mind and tune into the sounds around you. The crappie will still be there and willing to bite.
Those crappie fishermen who sit in a deer stand or a turkey or duck blind usually have no problem hearing all of nature’s chorus. We have to if we want to be successful. It is a great time to listen. If you remain still, the wildlife around you will forget you are even there, and the sounds of nature will return you as you wait.
Fishermen, on the other hand, aren’t usually “listening” for fish. So you may need to make a conscious effort to tune in and hear the outdoor world.
Nature sounds soothe our souls. Researchers have proven that the sounds are good for our minds and body. They are a part of the memories we make. I feel closer to God than I do anywhere when I am outdoors and take time to listen to the sounds of nature.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” ~ John Muir
