Title: Americans Embrace the Song of Cicadas in Rare Dual Emergence
In a rare and magical event, two broods of cicadas have emerged simultaneously this spring, filling the air with a symphony of buzzing, chirping, and trilling. While some find the sound soothing and exciting, others are annoyed or even irritated by the loud cacophony.
For Jakob Dwight, the song of the cicadas near his grandmother’s home in Alabama brought him comfort on the day she passed away. He described the sound as a connection to her spirit, feeling touched by the droning that seemed to echo her presence.
Experts like Wil Hershberger, co-author of “The Songs of Insects,” explain that the unique convergence of 13-year and 17-year cicada songs creates an extraordinary auditory experience this year. The different species of cicadas each have their own distinct and captivating songs, with some being rhythmic frequency sweeps and others a series of ticks followed by a frequency sweep.
While artists and musicians have long been inspired by the sounds of cicadas, some people find the buzzing to be meditative. Meditation apps like Insight Timer offer recorded cicada sounds to help users connect with nature and find peace in the midst of the insect symphony.
However, not everyone is a fan of the cicadas’ song. In South Carolina, residents mistook the loud buzzing for a siren or a roar, prompting calls to the sheriff’s office. Despite the annoyance, experts remind the public that the cicadas pose no danger and are simply a natural part of the environment.
For those who may find the sound overwhelming, especially neurodivergent individuals with auditory sensitivity, experts recommend taking steps to minimize the noise and provide comfort. As the cicadas continue their song for a few more weeks, Mr. Hershberger encourages everyone to relax, listen, and enjoy this rare sonic treasure.
As Americans across the country experience this unique phenomenon, the song of the cicadas serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of nature, connecting us to the cycles of life and the world around us.
