Whip-poor-will Memories

As fall approached, bringing respite from the summer heat, and newly-opened windows let in night breezes, I was rewarded with the far-off sound of Whip-poor-wills. I’d missed them by caving in to comfort. As I worked on my needleweaving projects in a ‘perfect’ 72° environment, I looked forward to a cooler time when I could once again sit on the porch, weaving to the sounds of birds, squirrels, chipmunks and far away trains.

The relief the air conditioner provided resulted in higher electric bills—plus an added cost. Its noise masked the night hawk’s evening serenade, a sound I’ve loved since I was very young. As a child we had plenty of windows to let in summer breezes—and sounds—since air conditioning was uncommon then.

These cooling machines condition more than the air. Isolated in our comfort zones, we’ve become conditioned to believe that nature is ‘out there’ and we feel less a part of it. It still sends an inviting message, but we no longer hear it.

I wonder what else I missed this summer in my perfectly conditioned cocoon? The Whip-poor-will has become less common around here anyway, likely due to habitat change. Without open windows will I even know if it disappears entirely?

Note: I began writing this post in late August, and as I finish it nearly two months later, my windows are shut again—this time against the fall chill.