On the 17th of October over 100 events, attractions and organisations across Scotland are taking part in the Let Nature Sing sound takeover to share the message that we must save nature’s song from disappearing.
Here, RSPB Scotland’s Allie McGregor shares some of the seasonal sounds of Scotland’s nature.
The sounds of Scotland’s autumn nature
Thousands of honking geese fly overhead…
Geese fly overhead (rspb-images.com)
One of the most recognisable sounds of Autumn’s arrival is the honking calls of geese. While it may be one of the less relaxing sounds of nature, it is always incredibly exciting. Thousands of these winter visitors flock to Scotland travelling many miles to get here.
As well as making a fair bit of noise, geese are quite a special sight to see as they fly overhead in their V formation.
Leaves rustle and crunch underfoot…
Fallen autumn leaves (rspb-images.com)
What is autumn without gold and crimson crunchy leaves underfoot? The sound of rustling leaves is truly a sign of the season, and there’s something very satisfying about hearing a proper crunch of leaves underfoot.
Autumn’s unique aesthetic is dependent on the amazing colours that spring up throughout our nature. The changing colour of the leaves is perhaps the most iconic sign of Autumn’s arrival, but it’s far from the only shift in our nature that we see.
The bellow of deer…
Red deer (rspb-images.com)
A deer surrounded by colourful trees with frosty foliage at its feet is the perfect picture of autumn and boy do deer like to make a noise at this time of year.
Deer ruts, the stand off between stags to impress a mate, are a much-loved nature spectacle at this time of year. The rut adds yet more dramatic sounds to the autumn repertoire with bellowing, roaring and the clashing of antlers.
Chirping chatter of winter migrants…
Redwing perched on hawthorn tree ready to feast on the berries (rspb-images.com)
Geese are not the only visitors that arrive with the change of season! Redwing, fieldfare, waxwing and brambling are just some of the other species you might see about as the colder weather sets in.
Each of our visitors have varying songs to listen out for in autumn; whether it’s squeaky twitterings, chattering notes or pleasant bell-like ringing. These join the year-round chirping and chatter from our lovely resident birds.
Let’s make sure the magical sounds of autumn nature are protected and preserved. Find out how to take part in the Let Nature Sing sound takeover at rspb.org.uk/letnaturesing