Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you so very much for your patience, while I was away with an ill friend these last 10 days. Alas, there were complications and he is still in the hospital. The medical staff is now hopeful that he is beginning to turn the healing corner, but it is going to be a long journey. Please continue to keep Lynn in your prayers. Profound gratitude for your great kindness!
These lovely spring mornings have enticed parishioner Bonnie Baron back to her keyboard. Here is her reflection on The Dawn Chorus. Thank you, Bonnie!
Mo. Laura+
The Dawn Chorus
I’ve always loved listening to birds and their songs. I found the cheerful cacophony of
sounds of the local birds, (birdsongs) in our neighborhood backyards enjoyable.
The dawn chorus marks a new day, inspiring optimism and motivation. According to the
Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest known written evidence of the phrase, “dawn
chorus”, is from 1927 and the writings of British politician and avid birdwatcher Edward
Gray.
The dawn chorus in Pennsylvania features a variety of birds singing at daybreak. Among them are several notable species, which fill the morning air with vibrant and unique sounds as the sun rises across Pennsylvania. The Northern Cardinal, noted for its bright red feathers, sings a clear whistle up to 100 decibels, often waking people
from sleep. The American Robin, common in Pennsylvania’s parks and neighborhoods, contributes 80-90 decibel calls to the morning chorus, signaling the day’s start. Mourning Doves add soft, mournful coos at 65-75 decibels to the dawn soundscape according to Brown, J. A., “Exploring the Acoustic Wonders of Pennsylvania’s
Songbirds”, 2024.
Birds usually begin their dawn chorus 30 to 60 minutes before sunrise, and some may start as early as 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM. The peak of singing occurs during May and June, with most birds vocalizing about 30 minutes before and after sunrise. The American Robin is known to start its song roughly 80 minutes before dawn Martin, James,
“Woodland Trust”, 2019.
According to an article by Megan Holzman, she discusses how Birdsong is more than just pleasant; studies show it lowers stress, anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. It can also reduce pain, boost mood and happiness, improve memory and focus, and speed up recovery.
Incorporate birdsong into your day with simple steps: listen to morning birds outside your window, appreciate bird sounds during your commute, and watch birds at a feeder. Balance your exposure for optimal stress relief. https://www.birdful.org/what-does- birdsong-do-to-humans/
Throughout the Bible, singing birds symbolize joy, God’s provision, and creation’s beauty. Birds and their songs are often used to illustrate God’s care, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:26, Psalm 104:12, and Isaiah 44:23. Birdsong also reflects hope, worship, and renewal, with references in Job 12:7 and Isaiah 40:31 comparing wisdom and trust in God to birds. The Psalms link nature’s beauty, including birdsong, with prayer.
Ignatian spirituality teaches that thanking God for a bird’s song is a spiritual and calming practice, fostering joy, peace, and a sense of connection with the Creator and nature.
May you find joy in birdsongs as you pray.
Prayer at the First Birdsong
O Maker of morning light,
before the sun spills gold upon the earth,
You send the small-winged heralds—
sparrows, robins, thrushes—
to weave the air with praise.
Their voices rise like incense,
each note a feathered hallelujah,
lifting the hush of night
into the promise of day.
Teach my heart to join them,
to sing before I see the light,
to trust the warmth I cannot yet feel.
Let my soul be a branch
where Your mercy perches,
and my breath a dawn-song
that greets You with joy. Amen
Author Unknown
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COMING UP!
- June 7: Gift Cards Orders Due
- July 6-10: Ellie Escher’s Music Camp I
- August 10-14: Ellie Escher’s Music Camp II
- Mondays, Book Study via zoom at 7:00 p.m.: next group starts June 1 C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters
- 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, Girl Scouts, Parish Hall, 6:00-7:30
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- Wednesday evenings, yoga class at 6:00 (discount for St. M members)
- Saturdays, Iglesia Luz de Esperanza, 9:00-3:00