Happening at the Crossroads
May 31, 2007
by Coggin Heeringa
Early morning is a musical time at Crossroads at Big Creek. Birds are singing from every area of the preserve. They almost seem to be taking turns
One of my former colleagues - a high school teacher – entertained a few of us at at a party by describing his difficulty in following the conversations of his students. He lamented, “They all talk at once! If one slows down or takes a breath, the others chime in even louder.“
This teacher was being funny... but he had a point. When speakers take turns, it is easier to hear what is going on.
That’s why birds take turns in the morning. When a male bird sings in the morning, he may be proclaiming his territory or eagerness to mate, or... researchers are still speculating. A male bird may be announcing to the neighbors that he made it through the night. To birds, this is important information, which must be heard clearly.
So, as strange as this may seem, a male bird will avoid singing while a nearby male sings. In fact, male birds actually engage in exchanges called counter-singing, much like antiphonal responses in our music. One bird will start, the follower will repeat. When the leader changes a pattern, so does the follower.
Counter-singing involves birds of the same species, but even birds of different species take turns. It’s helpful to humans that birds take turns. Imagine the cacophony if all the birds sang simultaneously. It would be like listening to high school students all talking at once.
We love to see families here at Crossroads! While we often offer classes and guided programs for young learners, we are starting a new activity called “Green Play” in which we will encourage children to explore the natural world in a unstructured way, kind of the way we adults used to play when we were children. Our first Green Play sessions are called: “Stepping Stones and Snails.” We will select a safe area of Big Creek and provide aquatic nets, waders, and gentle supervision. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes and shoes that can get wet or dirty... preferably both. Green Play will be offered at 3:00 on Saturday and Sunday this week. (Parents might want to bring a blanket and a good novel - or you could play too.)
Monday, June 4, at 6:30, the Friends of Crossroads will meet at the Collins Learning Center to plan for summer activities. Tuesday night, the Door Peninsula Astronomical Society meets at the Stonecipher Astronomy Center at 7:00. The program “Binocular Astronomy” will be presented by DPAS President, Dr. John Beck. Visitors are always welcome.
Crossroads at Big Creek is an historical and environmental learning preserve where learners of all ages can focus on science, history and the environment. Trails are open to the public. Dogs (on leash and under control) are allowed. Crossroads is located at the Intersection of Highway 42/57 and Michigan Street ( County TT ) in Sturgeon Bay.
