“Good morning, Squeaks!” said Momanita, “It’s time to greet the day.”
“It sounds like the day is already being greeted by Robin and Cardinal. Is that Wren I hear?”
It couldn’t be Wren. Wren arrived in spring. When Momanita covered my rolly nest last night it was winter. Even I couldn’t sleep till spring. Although I’d like to sleep these gray days away.
To other hootmans this sounded like squeals and whistles, but not to Momanita. She MOSTLY understood cockatiel speak. I MOSTLY understood hootman talk.
“I’m feeling a bit down,” said Momanita. “I think it’s because the sun hasn’t shone in a while. I thought about how spring birdsong cheers me. So, I found a recording on YouTube. Do you like it?”
“I like real, actual sounds of spring, but this IS helpful.”
“I wonder if nature sounds cheer up others,” said Momanita.
When Momanita wondered, she thought of questions.
When she thought of questions, she looked for answers.
When she looked for answers, she needed my help.
“What would really cheer me up, is the sound of millet snipped into sprigs or the rattle of Cheerios pouring from the container.”
Helping Momanita worked up my appetite.
“I bet there’s research online about nature sounds effecting moods,” said Momanita.
I climbed out of my rolly nest into my writing nest. Momanita climbed the stairs to HER writing nest. She scooted her chair to the computer and tapped the keyboard. I perched on top the writing nest and thought of Cheerios and millet. Then I focused on what Momanita read.
Call Of The Wild
“Scientists have found that birdsong reduces stress,” said Momanita.
“I DO have a soothing call.” I chirruped to make my point. “If you think THAT’s calming, it’s even MORE peaceful when I have a full stomach.”
“Birdsong recordings are played in hospitals to calm patients and airport waiting areas to relax travelers.”
“I’m calm when I hear you filling my food dish.”
Momanita didn’t notice my empty bowl. She read more.
Glad To Hear It!
“Nature sounds improve mood, too,” said Momanita.
“I’m in the mood for a neck rub.”
I arched down my neck and flattened my crest so Momanita could reach the best spot.
“When listening to waterfalls or gentle breezes or loons calling, people worry less.”
“I worry when you’re not listening to me.”
Momanita didn’t hear. She read more.
Sound Mind
“When the brain hears nature sounds, it brings to mind visions of nature,” said Momanita.
“When I hear Mike whistle, it brings to mind times that he played with me.”
I wanted to play with the shiny bell. He jiggled it back and forth.
“Nature sounds reduce pain and help us focus.”
“I’d like you to focus on playing with me. Where’s Mike?”
“Doctors found that the increased happiness in watching and listening to birds is lasting,” said Momanita. “Even when birdsong stops, people are happier.”
“I would be happier if you listened to me- millet, pets, and play, please!”
Momanita didn’t pay attention.
“Should we write about how nature sounds make us happy?” asked Momanita. “First, we’ll snip some millet and play with the bell.”
Momanita rubbed the back of my neck. I leaned into it. Momanita had noticed and listened and paid attention.
“Let’s write about how happiness can be found no matter how gray the days seem.”
To other hootmans this sounded like squeals and whistles, but not to Momanita. She MOSTLY understood cockatiel speak. I MOSTLY understood hootman talk.
Check out Momanita’s book OPERATION HOPPER.
Momanita and I read about nature sounds. You might want to read about them, too.
Anita Borgo 