March Madness...


This morning the birds are in full chorus. I turned on our bird monitor to a cacophony of coos and trills.
The sky is waking up and the morning air couldn't ruffle a feather--ideal for the monitor, which picks up ambient noise and windy conditions. The conditions this morning are as perfect as "nothing but net!"
Birds signal their fitness early in the morning with vigorous song. Males are advertising superior genetics while females check out their options.
"No, not that one."
"I don't think so."
"Definitely not."
"Hmmm, maybe..."
Spring mornings deliver the liveliest exchange as March Madness separates the winners from the losers.
The hours nearest daybreak offer the advantage of cooler morning air which helps sound travel further.
An article I read provides advice "to minimize the disruptive effects of the chorus…" What? Never!! Well, almost never.
I would have done anything to quiet the Whippoorwill that kept us awake an entire night of camping. He was enchanting the first 45 minutes. We realized the odds of sleeping through his rants were little to none. White noise would have been a blessed relief.
Birders, AKA bird watchers, rise well before the morning sun to get a head start on field observation--early morning fitness is a must.
I have a better idea.
Stay under the covers until the sun is cracking over the horizon, schlep downstairs to fill my St. Simons Island mug with coffee, flip on the bird monitor, sit back and enjoy a little March Madness.

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