News from the Noteworthy by Sustainable Otsego

Beautiful, Loquacious Natives and Visitors

This column usually speaks of innovative agricultural practices better linking us to the land. Yet, there are other satisfying aspects of “The Life of the Land.” Let’s look at one. On our farmland, in our forests, along our lakes, rivers and streams, and ever present in our towns and villages exists a feature of great beauty, often taken for granted. Wake up early, before sunrise, and what first greets your senses? In moonlight, your eyes may see little. But you can always hear an orchestra of song.

Humans have always sung and danced—as mating rituals, to define community, to honor tradition, and just for the joy of it. How did this happen? Did evolution create something in us that turned out to be both beautiful and useful, or did we sit down and decide to create music, song, and dance? Or was it a mix? Have other species possibly done the same?