“When the cuckoo’s song is first heard among the oak leaves
to the delight of mortals throughout the wide earth.”
Hesiod, Works and Days
What brings delight to people, or not, can show much about those people. Here Hesiod writes of what in his experience brings delight to people throughout the whole earth.
It is hard to say what is more delightful this time of year: the birds singing among the oak leaves, or the oak leaves themselves. The more we come to recognize such things, in their kinds and their differences from other kinds, the more delightful they are.
Here in the Shenandoah Valley the various oak leaves are formed now, and so are recognizable and distinguishable from each other and from other species of trees. (See video above!) The woods have come alive, as is evidenced in the distinctly beautiful canopies of the trees and the songs of the birds therein.
Cuckoos—most subspecies of which are not extinct—are not common where I am, though I know we have the yellow-billed cuckoo. The bird whose song I especially await among the oak leaves is the Baltimore Oriole. Mr. Oriole sings and sings. He seems happy to tell the world which trees he himself delights in; and in my yard, it’s always the oak trees.
As my love for birds took root watching my father delight in them, certain birds especially bring him to mind. Mr. Oriole—more recognizable than his retiring mate in his brighter color and more persistent singing—is a particularly welcome reminder to me. Indeed, once a few years ago one male oriole perched in a very low branch of a fruit tree (they often are up higher in larger trees) and patiently waited while I gathered the whole family to come look at him. We all stood close and simply enjoyed his presence; he was completely comfortable with us and even seemed to welcome us. When eventually he went on his way, we all carried with us a special memory and a special bond that transcended present time and space.
We can cultivate a delight in trees and in birds. Deeper and more refined apprehension of such simple yet noble things brings about greater enjoyment and rest in them. This spring and summer we can become more like the mortals of whom Hesiod speaks, by spending some time attending to the trees and the birds.
Hesiod (8th century B.C.) was a Greek contemporary of Homer, and likewise an epic poet. His Works and Days sketches the year-round work on a homestead.
Image: Our favorite red oak in the backyard,’Oakie,’ by Juliana Cuddeback
Husband, father, and professor of Philosophy. LifeCraft springs from one conviction: there is an ancient wisdom about how to live the good life in our homes, with our families; and it is worth our time to hearken to it. Let’s rediscover it together. Learn more.
Dr Cuddeback
Excellent video! Many decades ago as a Boy Scout I learned to identify most trees in the east coast. I’ve forgotten most of it but do try and keep up in a few. As you imply, knowing the names of the trees you see helps you appreciate and enjoy God’s creation.
Likewise it is with birds. I am a bit of an amateur birdwatcher, and enjoy learning the names of the various birds we see in this area. As such, I do look forward to a post and video from you on that subject!
Thanks Tom. I’ll be thinking about how to do a video on birds… a little more tricky!
Thank you for this delightful not on a beautiful spring morning. I, too, was fortunate to grow up with nature-loving parents, although I’ve not been able to recognize most bird songs. The longer I live the more trees I’m able to recognize and I’ve made it my personal goal to try to spot and learn about ones I’m noticing for the first time. With all the oak trees in my yard, I should be seeing some Orioles, but they and bluebirds are very elusive here. I DO have a plethora of Blue Jays and Cardinals, though, and am beginning to recognize their songs
Small steps in recognizing birds is so worthwhile! May you continue to enjoy it, Ginger.
So true! Thank you for your lovely soul. My husband and I once saw bluebirds in the hedges along the road as we were driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Shenandoah. We stopped the car and got out to revel in their beauty. There were so many. I remember the male cardinals in the leafless trees of February in my native Kentucky and thanking God for His crazy generosity. Another time when visiting in early May in Mt. Airy, NC, I asked the name of white-flowering bushes growing wild everywhere. Calicoes! There are pockets of beautiful birds and plenty of trees and leaves here in California, but the southeast of USA seems most abundantly blessed…but that is probably just my taste.
I must say that I agree with your taste… Thanks for the great image from Skyline Drive; it must have been wonderful.
Thank you. This was a much needed read today. I have been finding it difficult to be grateful in the big things, but recognizing the simple beauties can help recapture that gratitude for living.
I live in the country, not many neighbours and a lot of farm fields or greenhouses (I played softball last night with the wonderful aroma of cow manure nearby, amazing). Each morning I am greeted by a rather angry Red-winged Blackbird. I think that their nest is nearby. Last year it was Kildares nesting on my driveway. My point is, I do appreciate all sorts of birds- and squirrels! Such an easy joy.
Thanks again.
You are very welcome. I hope your Red-winged Blackbird softens in his disposition toward you… Thanks for sharing.
Having returned yesterday from a trip out west we were delighted to come home to our house nestled in the midst of acres of lush green oak trees, full of dense color enhanced by recent rains. Though the west certainly has its own beauty, I’m partial to the richness of foliage seen throughout the rural east coast. Your appreciation of the simple joys of a deciduous tree species is certainly shared, as is your love of birds! (How blessed you are to have local sightings of Orioles! I’ve rarely spotted one but perhaps need to learn its song.)