Noise

Noise - Mute Swan Photo
Noise

Sitting in the Iron Trunk hide today I was shocked by the amount of noise that an area, which at first looks very peaceful and tranquil, like the Floodplain Forest Nature reserve actually has. Now I must admit to being quite noise sensitive, but the sounds of modern life were all around me.

Dramatic view over the floodplain forest nature reserve
Dramatic view over the floodplain forest nature reserve

Noise

Noises from the dull, monotonous rumble of the A5, one of the Trunk roads through the country. Carrying commuters heading towards their daily grind; and large trucks carrying tonnes of commercial goods, things none of us need but we have all been convinced we want by advertisers; to the distant digger tearing up the ground and disturbing millions of microbes and “less important” life. The sign of progress and growth.

The musical sound of a food truck announcing its presence at the nearby offices, to the woosh of a high speed train as it rattles across the Victorian viaduct, whisking passengers to destinations unknown. Dogs barking uncontrollably at unseen threats; and the loud roar of jet engines as commercial airliners pass overhead, moving people around the globe to chase the sun.

Nature

All these sounds of humans going about their daily lives, didn’t manage to drown out the nature of the day though. I was glad I could still pick out the sounds of the twittering Goldfinch flocks, which are building in numbers, safety in large flocks through winter. Wheeting and singing Chiffchaffs could be heard all around the patch; and the regular winter sounds of Wigeon, whistling calls to each other has started to fill the air.

While there is a little extra water in the pools since I last visited, the waders haven’t followed, there are similar numbers of both Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper, the cryptically plumaged Common Snipe continue to feed along the edges, but a few also flew about. There was no sign of the great white egret, and I also felt Little Egret numbers were down.

Green Sandpiper
Green Sandpiper

Falcons

By far the smartest bird of the day was a Peregrine Falcon that flew straight at me as I sat in the Viaduct hide, having swept in across the river Ouse. So shocked was I, I forgot to use my camera (typical). The bird flew up and circled the large incinerator chimney before heading back off the direction it had come in.

Kestrels have always been one of my favourite birds, I think it has a lot to do with the old YOC (Young Ornithologists Club), the old junior side of the RSPB, and the awesome metal badge (of a Kestrel) that they used to give out (I wish I still had my old one). Today on the patch there were two, hovering at either end of the main pits, but my final sighting of the day (again missed it on camera) was as the pair of birds clashed in mid air, all talons and screeching, it was a truly amazing sight to behold.

Hovering Kestrel
Hovering Kestrel

 

Kestrel in Flight
Kestrel in Flight

 

Kestrel About to Stoop
Kestrel About to Stoop

After all the excitement of the Kestrels I headed back home. My thoughts of the noises behind me, my heart filled with the joys of nature.

Other Photos

Local Sheep
Local Sheep

 

Mute Swan
Mute Swan

 

Wood Pigeon on a post
Wood Pigeon on a post

 

Rook Silhouette
Rook Silhouette

 

Pied Wagtail
Pied Wagtail

 

Another Mute Swan
Another Mute Swan

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker

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4 Comments

  • Allysse Riordan

    It's great to read a post about sounds around and how they affect you. I often experience similar perceptions when I'm out on a walk. At first, all I seem to hear is the sound of humans (way too often represented by cars, planes, and lorries) but as soon as I shift my focus to nature, there's a whole new range of sounds that come to life, making me forget about the constant roar of traffic.

    I actually began a challenge earlier this month to help people focus on the sounds of nature. Reading your post, I'm thinking you might be interested in it. If you are, you can find all the details here https://besteglatisant.wordpress.com/2016/09/01/nature-sound-of-the-month-backyard-sounds/

    • AshleyBeolens

      I've read you blog 🙂 I did try recording the sound of rain the other day (one of my favourite sounds) but managed to just get my coat rattling, I must investigate recording on my iPhone more, I often hear sounds that I'd like to share but manage to not record.

  • Peter Garner

    My MK wildlife experiences are never without the background soundtrack of traffic noise. It has become 'normal'. At Stony Stratford NR it is the most obvious with the A5 cutting through. I wonder if the birds sing louder or hold smaller territories as a result. Even when I escape to Thornborough Woods, I often hear the races at Silverstone in the distance! I guess there's not many places left where human noise doesn't interfere. @conccow

    • AshleyBeolens

      It's sad to say I think I agree, doubt there is anywhere in the UK with real escape from human noise, maybe some of the islands without tourism?

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