[spodek]

Also the difference between outdoors a generation ago and outdoors now. Depending on where you are, the decrease in birdcalls is huge, but happens so slowly that most people don't know what we're missing. That loss has been happening over longer than a generation or two.

Also, there are fewer places where you hear no car noises or planes at all.

We can do something about it, but it takes work.

[lettergram]

I’m personally of an opinion that’s a good thing — that means progress and a more robust civilization.

I don’t think there’s a limitation on places that are relatively silent. In other words, you can get a relatively silent world even 30 min for nearly every place on this map.

That said, I support forest preserves and places like the boundary waters

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boundary_Waters

Where they intentionally create preserves with no motors or human civilization.

I’ll also mention the decline in bird populations also startled me. For much of my life I went to the woods and heard so many birds. Even in the past few years I’ve notified the rapid decline.

That said, I always try to put it in perspective. 100% of the trees, grass, birds, bugs, etc in North America only came around the last 10,000 - 20,000 years. I’m not sure what is causing no the bird decline (I suspect it’s pesticides, with the protective agencies not regulating effectively or invasive species such as cats). I’m sure natural will adapt to fill the niche, but it’s definitely different.

[BeFlatXIII]

Even as part of the normal seasonal cycle, I don’t notice how much less birdsong there is until it’s spring once again and the air is filled with bird calls. I don’t notice it getting quieter overs the weeks leading into summer.