As you may have noticed, I compose many pieces infused with the sounds of nature, especially the songs of birds. However, today, these recordings could soon become a sad memory. Indeed, birds are disappearing from the French countryside at an alarming rate. The National Museum of Natural History and the CNRS report a dramatic decline in the number of birds in rural France. According to two studies, a third of them may have vanished in the last fifteen years. After enduring far-fetched explanations (like cats being responsible), the reason for this terrible decline has been formally identified:The main culprit, according to researchers, is the agricultural sector. “Farming practices have intensified over the last 25 years,” points out a specialist. “Especially between 2008 and 2009. This period corresponds to the end of the requirement to leave land fallow, which was previously mandated by the Common Agricultural Policy, as well as the spike in wheat prices, which led to an increase in nitrate levels in the soil and the widespread use of neonicotinoids, powerful insecticides.”
By the way, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but when we were children (for me, in the 1970s and 80s), there were always insects stuck to the windshield when my parents drove. There was always a bucket, a sponge, and a squeegee to clean the windshield at gas stations. Today, that’s over… not a single insect ends up on our windshields anymore… as they have been systematically eliminated by intensive agriculture… and since birds feed on insects, they are disappearing too.After the decline of bees, it’s now the turn of birds—where will this madness end? Yet, here are just a few of the important roles they play:
- Insect population control: Many birds feed on insects, helping to regulate their populations and prevent harmful infestations.
- Seed dispersion: They play an essential role in seed dispersal. By feeding on fruits and berries, they transport seeds over long distances and contribute to the colonization of new areas by plants.
- Ecological balance: They often serve as predators or prey in food chains, helping to maintain the balance of animal and plant populations within an ecosystem.
- Agricultural pest control: Swallows and bats feed on insects that are harmful to crops, thus helping to reduce damage caused by pests and maintain crop health.
- Aesthetic and recreational enjoyment: Birds are also appreciated for their beauty and melodious songs. Many people find joy in observing them in nature or welcoming them into their gardens, which contributes to their emotional well-being.
It is worth noting that birds are also important indicators of ecosystem health. Their presence, behavior, and health status can provide valuable information about the environment, including air, water, and habitat quality.So, what can we do?As for me, I recorded the singing of birds this morning, very early in our garden in Fessenheim. And around these charming chirps, I added a few notes that harmoniously accompany the songs of these little feathered angels.
The piece The Silence of Birds lasts over 20 minutes. It is ideal for relaxation because, remember, I have long proposed a theory regarding relaxation music that includes bird songs:In nature, as long as the birds are singing, there is no immediate danger. As soon as a threat appears, the birds fall silent. I believe that this sign, which we may not pay much attention to, is ingrained in our subconscious. Therefore, when we hear birds singing (or listen to music that includes these songs), we are not on alert but rather relaxed.I invite you to listen for free to the entire piece “The Silence of Birds”:
Get “The Silence of Birds” and I commit to donating all profits from the sales of this title to the League for the Protection of Birds, an organization I support and whose mission is very close to my heart.