Sounds of the Central Coast

by Roe Yeager

Many of us are fortunate to wake up to the sounds of song birds singing a good morning to each of us. Thankfully this occurs here on the Central Coast as well. While it may be difficult to identify each bird and its song, I am certain there are many finches in the mix. With the abundance of a variety of trees here, it apparently attracts a wide range of birds that are happy to awaken us with song.

Walking to the beach in Morro Bay brings a plethora of water sounds. The tiny beach just to the north of the Coast Guard and Harbor Patrol dock usually has a very gentle splash as the water seems to roll onto the sand. It only increases in sound when the seas are rough, and tides are high. It almost sounds as though the water is being thrown against the shore. Many times the sounds of children playing here carry their laughter to the walking path.

As one gets closer to the Rock, the sounds of the waves on the beach to the north call to many surfers. Depending on the tide, wind and weather, these waves can be calm to down right continuously pounding on the shore. There are times when the waves are so many and close together it is difficult to single out just a single wave. And then there are times when everything is calm and each wave can be heard lapping as it makes its arrival on the sand. In areas where there are lots of small stones on the beach, the departing waves make a sound similar to a rain stick of Native Americans.

Periodically one can hear the gulls, as if in one voice, vocalizing as they call and circle around the Rock. Occasionally a Peregrine Falcon can also be heard here and then all the gulls go on alert. There are many other water and shore birds around in the area and they can be heard for quite a distance. If you are lucky you may hear the raspy croak of a Great Blue Heron as it takes flight or the cry of a baby otter left bobbing on the waters surface while its mother dives for food.

Getting closer to the jetty the sound intensifies as the ocean slams into the rocks that protect the harbor. If you listen carefully you can hear the waves as they increase in strength and power just before they crash on the jetty. Then, as the water rises high in the air and falls, the sound of the water seems soft, washing the rocks and receding with a swish. Whereas calm days allow one to sort of sway back and forth surrendering to the flow and rhythm of the big blue ocean.

Once exhausted from all of the experiences of being in, at and around the water, rest is the only recourse. The sounds of the day have played their part and sleep is all that is required to spur one on to the next day. How fitting that the soothing sounds of the fog horn can be heard to assure you that all are safe and protected while the horn methodically guides us to nod off happily into a wonderland of bliss.