Heron Lake Sings
I usually look for wildlife or other visual experiences to capture with my camera. I headed south to see if I could photograph the leucistic (white phase) red-tailed hawk I had seen the previous month. Unfortunately, it was not hanging around the same spot. Somewhat disappointed, I turned towards home.
On the way back, I saw the turn-off for Heron Lake. I had passed it many times and never diverted to check it out. With no specific agenda, I followed the sign to investigate the lake. The lake was frozen. The air was still. The birds were quiet. I only saw the occasional vehicle on the road with me. Yet, there was this underlying deep hum, vibration, resonance… I could not figure out what I was hearing and feeling.
I took the road down to the boat dock, got out and sat alone at the lakeside. The resonant hum was louder – almost as much a feeling as a sound. It was punctuated by booms, rumbles, thumps, wumps and cracks. I finally figured out this ‘song’ was the sound of the ice melting on the lake. I sat mesmerized for over an hour, enveloped in the soundscape.
On my drive home, I contemplated the sounds I associate with spring – bird song, fox cries, rushing waters, even the squelch of tromping through the mud. I had no idea the ice thaw sang its own unique and powerful song. I praised God for bringing me to hear a new symphony…