Much has been written about bird song over the ages, and for many, including John Keats in his well known Ode to a Nightingale, the Nightingale has been accorded first place among the choristers of the avian world. It has been lauded by poets and writers as diverse as Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Oscar Wilde and Alfred Lord Tennyson. And who can forget that memorable, and evocative song of World War II - A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square?
Yet surely, the interpretation of song is subjective and personal. To my ears the song of the European Blackbird is more pleasing, with the added advantage that it can be heard during the day! Even the mood of the listener can bring a nuanced appreciation of song.
All of this brings me to the subject of my discussion today. It is a cool, dreary day here in southern Ontario, raining on and off, but I just heard a Northern Cardinal singing heartily, its clear, musical notes penetrating into the family room, an uplifting sound on a dismal morning.
I am under no illusions that this is the most vaunted singer in the world. Its repertoire is quite limited, but always joyful, and when one first hears the outpouring of a hormonally charged male in spring, there is no sound quite like it for a Canadian anxious to bid farewell to winter.
It does not have the quality of 'immortal bird' as Keats described the Nightingale, but it does for me have an other-worldly character that does not readily submit to definition, but is real nonetheless. It brings joy, it envelops the listener, it is at once a portend of better days to come and a reunification with nature writ large.
Nightingales are very agreeable in their place but a Northern Cardinal will do me just fine, thank you very much.
Monday, May 18, 2020
David M. Gascoigne,
I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.
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My name is David. I'm a lifelong birder, fiercely committed to all of nature, however. Married to Miriam Bauman. I love to travel. I Enjoy a good book and a good glass of wine. To read more about me, click my ABOUT page.
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Hari OM
ReplyDeletefor me, here, it is the European Robin - what a tuneful boy he is!!! YAM xx
Great choice too, YAM, a wonderful singer.
DeleteHello David,
ReplyDeletePretty Cardinal photo! I enjoy all the birds songs and sounds I hear, the Cardinal song is a favorite of mine too. Have a great day!
I agree that it's a great choice, David. The cardinal is the state bird of VA, our former home, and their visits were always welcome.
ReplyDeleteI do love a cardinal's song, but lately I have been ejoying the rose-breasted grosbeak's lilting melody.
ReplyDeleteThere is a bold male grosbeak at my feeders right now!
DeleteVery nice Cardinal photo!
ReplyDeleteWe can't praise Miriam enough - she has made a brilliant photo!
For me the European goldfinch is also a beautiful bird!
Thanks for sharing, David!
Stay well, stay safe!
It is a known fact that the first place goes to the song of the common nightingale.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't distinguish between calls and songs; all birds'sounds are melodious to my ears.
I don't think one can categorically state that it is a "known fact", Duta. That would be like saying that Beethoven's 9th Symphony is the world's greatest piece of music and no one is allowed to disagree with that assessment.
DeleteStrong color. Impressive in sight.
ReplyDeleteBirdsong is a lovely sound, David. Here I can hear Turdus merula, and the song are very pretty.
ReplyDeleteFor me it’s the blackbird’s song, though I’ve never heard a Cardinal!
ReplyDeleteLove that photograph.
ReplyDeleteWe are so blessed to be able to hear bird song.
Enjoyed a walk around the garden earlier and the birds were in full voice, it was magical.
All the best Jan
Most bird songs in my neck of the woods are pleasing to the ear … perhaps with the exception of cawing crows that have a habit of overtaking and quietening the entire chorus. :)
ReplyDeleteSightings of cardinals on PEI are rare but some have seen individuals this spring. Sadly I am not one of them.
ReplyDeleteI am always astonished that such small bodies can produce such loud and beautiful tones. I've never heard a cardinal, but the blackbirds here often wakes me in the morning, and it's a lot pleasant than the harsh tones of the ravens which are so plentiful here. Have a great day, take care, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteIci il n'y a pas ce bel oiseau mais je suis souvent accompagnée par le rouge gorge (robin) au jardin
ReplyDeleteLes merles n'ont pas un chant extraordinaire mais j'aime bien aussi.
Bonne soirée
El canto del ruiseñor, es el que tiene más popularidad. Será porque los poetas lo han puesto en muchas de sus poesías.
ReplyDeleteBesos
I have never heard either a nightingale or your cardinal so searched them out on YouTube. I must say I didn't like the nightingale very much, but I can see why you welcome the cardinal (he sounds so happy). I love waking up to the blackbird singing during spring, but my favourite bird song would have to be that of our tiny grey warbler. It is so tiny yet so loud, and warbles away at all times of the day.
ReplyDeleteI love to hear the American Robin, particularly after a rain shower. There is usually a whole chorus,
ReplyDeleteThe Cardinal is beautiful, unfortunately I've never heard them sing.
ReplyDeleteThe currawong warble is a song which is particularly dear to me. And our magpie.
ReplyDeleteMind you, many Australian birds while very, very beautiful are NOT songsters. this young corella is proof of that .
Gets A for effort though!
DeleteI too love the Cardinal's song. We hear several around the neighbourhood.
ReplyDeleteI like open windows and birdsong!
ReplyDeleteHard to disagree with that, Joanne.
DeleteHello, good evening dearest friend! the singing of birds and the soft sounds of the forest can take me to a heavenly place! such a great post is this, seems a kind of poetry about these small but powerful and distinguished singers. Wonders of creation that exalt the spirit; and, what to say about stormy days... i just love them. It all sounds like a perfect day there! Lucky you both
ReplyDeleteHug from B.A.
Thanks for your always enthusiastic comment!
DeleteIt will do just fine with me, too, David! The cardinal is one of my favorite birds -- both for its song and because it is so lovely -- that bright spot of red in the winter, yet visible with all the leaves in the summer and spring!
ReplyDeleteThe American robin is my favorite spring singer. There are some close seconds though.
ReplyDeleteI was fascinated by the beauty of the Cardinal and I was intrigued by the sound of its singing ...
ReplyDeleteIn my country this bird population does not exist because my country has only 2 seasons.
I googled the song and got two very different ones both enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI also love the cardinal's song. It always lifts my spirits. I mean, what's not to like?
ReplyDeleteThe Cardinal is such a beautiful bird to me.
ReplyDeleteIt's song would be good and most birds sing well.
Take care.
Hi David - I was going to say blackbird ... but you beat me to it. As I walked to town yesterday there was one hell of a strong voice going on protecting its home ground ... not knowing which bird was singing and notifying its presence I had a good look around ... and yes a blackbird it was! Incredibly loud. But robins too ... especially when one is out in the garden working - they always accompany one. I don't think I've ever heard 'the lark ascending' though have often seen them high above the fields. So pleased the Northern Cardinal cheered you on your dull day ... the late Spring will arrive. Take care and yes ... lots of bird song in our literature - all the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteQuerido amigo David, dentro de mi modesta opinión coincido contigo, llevo muchos años oyendo el canto del Mirlo en su canción completa y creo es muy rica en tonos y melodías que no pueden compararse con las de otros pájaros, son de una calidad extraordinaria y un gran placer para oídos y mente.
ReplyDeleteComo siempre un gran placer el leerte mi querido amigo y compadre.
Recibe un fuerte abrazo de tu siempre amigo Juan.
I agree that the Blackbird is very pleasing to hear. I enjoy working in the garden accompanied in the background by their song.
ReplyDeleteA Dunnock is the bird for me and I much prefer the song of a Mistle Thrush to an actual Song Thrush!
ReplyDeleteHi David.
ReplyDeleteI think music differs from person to person from what you like to sound.
Personally, I think it is the same with bird whistles, one likes this and the other likes something else that sounds nice.
That is why it is beautiful of nature so diverse many sounds.
Many people enjoy it.
Greetings from Patricia.
Stunning photo of this beautiful bird. The male Cardinal is in my top 10, and possibly even my favorite, of all birds. Sometimes when I'm walking in the woods, I hear them singing, then try to spot them to take photos (but usually fail). For whatever reason, I never hear birds singing outside of my house during Winter. That's how I know Spring is close: I start hearing the birds singing in the morning again. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful hearing them all. Soon they'll be much quieter.
ReplyDeleteFor many years, I was blessed to have access to a cabin in the Texas hill country. I spent as much time there as I could, and, apart from the winter months, cardinals would sing and converse in the tops of the trees surrounding the place. Now that I've changed apartments, I've discovered that one benefit of my new place is another cardinal; he's quite a singer, and there's no better way to begin or end the day than listening to him. He may have a theme with few variations, but it's still immensely cheering.
ReplyDeleteHello David, Interesting that the European Black birds song is so much to your liking. I must say that as from being a child the song of the Blackbird always made me think of woderful summers. As the light was long in Summer the bird kept on singing till late in the evenings. So I can imagine that the Cardinal brings this feeling to you as well. But I heard yesterday a bird that was astonishing with his song and it was also the first time I saw and heard it. It was the Icterine warbler Hippolais icterina. Hope Spring will come back to you soon with some warmer temperatures. This week is verry warm here. And as last year we could use a lot of rain it is again verry dry. So send some of that rain to our part of the world.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Roos
I think I hear cardinals from time to time, but I am no longer sure. I used to recognize them where there were many in Sarnia. Now, when I think I hear them, I also think that it might be wishful thinking.
ReplyDeleteThey may well be cardinals. My daughter has them at her feeders in Ottawa,
DeleteHi David, I never saw of heard a cardinal bird. I will listen on internet. It's not fun it's raining in Ontario. We have sun at the moment. I wish you a happy week. Greetings Caroline
ReplyDeleteI love to listen to birds songs, David. When it's time of White nights (sun does not go over the horizon) the birds sings as mad. Especially nightingale, that likes to sit in the bush across my summer cottage.
ReplyDeleteby the way, I have found the song A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square on YouTube, performed by Vera Lynn, I liked.
David what a beautiful bird for the eye and ear!I had to google it cause I have never seen such a bird before..I think you have many many birds in America europe never have seenThanx for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have good warm weahter now..The snow at my Place has gone and we are preparing for a summer at our balcony :)
I have to agree the European blackbird is incredible. I love hearing them singing in the garden. Hope all is well. Keep warm. Diane
ReplyDeleteHi David.
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed seeing your images of the Northern Cardinal, I find it such a striking bird, but to read it has a joyous song adds to the pleasure.
Stay safe and well
John
I went to Xeno-canto to find the song of the Northern Cardinal, David, and I can see where you are coming from with your choice. Delightful image from Miriam, by the way!
ReplyDeleteTalking of birdsong and Nightingales, I happened upon this this morning, which I think you might find interesting https://t.co/xZiUOsQp85?amp=1 It will take you to a page of The Science Museum (UK) Journal. If you've got time, you will possibly find following the arrow top left of the page that link takes you to to be even more interesting if you follow the bit about the Harrisons.
Thanks for this, Richard. I will certainly check it out.
DeleteDavid shortest way to say I think I found the article it was an article of BBC News.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-sussex-52675922?fbclid=IwAR0GWyNKa7sLR7q6J2cBUFx99w86CuVbZJpsgBxGfo7MPaQ-4CWoR9K7s88
Querido David, creo que nunca he escuchado cantar al cardenal, pero si al mirlo y ruiseñor y me encantan los dos. Tengo varios mirlos en el jardín y hoy los oí cantar maravillosamente, el ruiseñor también me gusta, por aquí el que más hay es el ruiseñor bastardo y canta muy bien. Un abrazo.
ReplyDeleteCardinals are the most plentiful bird around here. I love to hear them sing from the treetops while enjoying my coffee on the porch. Plus they sure are pretty.
ReplyDeleteI bet the coffee tastes twice as good!
DeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteHere in the Netherlands the spring has burst out with full strengh. You can hear birds everywhere, especially because at the same time the sun is shining. No sad making conditions, just the sun. I can imagine you were searching for the sound of birds to cheer you up.
Greetings, Kees
I just love to hear them sing, any bird any time, it is sweet music.
ReplyDeleteYou would get no argument from me.
DeleteIt always amazes me how something as delicate as birdsong can colour an entire landscape; I'm thinking about the cry of the curlew over the moors or, as I heard today, the cuckoo on a summer's morning.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right - nothing is more cheerful that the male Cardinal singing! I am thankful to have them come to my feeders.
ReplyDeleteHay muchas aves que cantan bello y cada persona tiene su o sus favoritas; también la elección va a variar según donde hayamos nacido, lo que conozcamos y también la influencia cultural de países predominantes; en el mundo seguro que hay aves con canto más bonito que el tan afamado ruiseñor. Y oaquí tengo mis favoritas del canto como las calandrias, el federal o el pecho amarillo; de oras parte del mundo el ave lira y otras de Australia que imitan
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t even have to hear the cardinal sing to be happy! Just seeing him would be enough (even if I didn’t get such a good picture). We saw a whole flock of migrating goldfinch yesterday (from the car, taking a short ride after an “essential” drive to the lab for Bills monthly blood test.) Big smiles,
ReplyDeleteThank you David for bird singings, it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI always said male cardinals have all the luck, not only standout beautiful but to have such a beautiful song too. I also love to hear them...uplifting especially during our soggy/cold spring this year.
ReplyDeleteCardinals are so pretty. I googled and apparently they are not common in Alberta at all, which I guess is why I have never seen one!
ReplyDeleteI can fully appreciate the uplifting joy of this birdsong after a long winter. I miss not having seasons, but I do appreciate the constant birdsong from dawn to dusk, all year.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteFantastic photo of an adorable bird!
And it's so red!!!!...we do not have that colorfull birds here!
Happy weekend and stay safe both of you
Maria
I guess Cardinal's singing is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI will listen to his singing on Youtube.
There is no such great bird in my country.
Have a nice week.
I am of course immediately swooned at the sight of this beautiful cardinal ...... 💚💚💚 no nightingale can beat it hihi .......
ReplyDeleteGreat beautiful photo David!
A firm hug