Summer noise, summer light

Summer is a lot noisier than winter. I was reminded of that last evening as I sat out on the steps. Bees buzz, dozens of birds call or sing. The slightest breeze rustles millions of leaves. Forest sounds are a constant backdrop in the summer.

Winter by comparison is often silent. A few birds remain but unless I disturb a blue jay or a crow, they tend to keep to themselves. The trees are nearly silent, too. It takes a fair wind for the trees themselves to creak. The leaves are long gone by then, of course.

It’s hard to imagine a noisy winter or a silent summer. I can’t make the switch, even when I try. And last night was noisier than most.

One of the red fox was back, barking and close enough to my chicken pen to start them off making as much noise as they could, and that started the dogs howling like wolves. Soon the blue jays joined in. Eventually I had to go over by the chickens and look large and threatening so the fox would leave the area and the chickens would calm down.

Summer is a lot noisier than winter.

Since the sky is clear again, I can get out and enjoy the morning light as the sun's first rays clear the hills to the east.  The light seems novel after weeks of rain and overcast.  This year April didn't have showers but May is sure making up for that.