Loretto Motherhouse a bird haven

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself in which she sets her young at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

Psalm 84:3

By Agnes Hoormann RSCJ

One evening during the 1990s when I was in my retreat cabin at Cedars of Peace on the Motherhouse grounds, I heard an unusual noise, like a whinny, at my window. I turned to look and saw an Eastern screech owl sitting on my window sill staring in at me with unblinking large yellow eyes. Then it made its quavering whistle again and I was mesmerized by this 8 ½-inch gray bird who soon flew away on wings designed to muffle any sound. That visitor sparked the beginning of my interest in knowing more about birds, as well as the observation of Thomas Merton that he felt he should get to know all his neighbors and call them by name since they shared the same air and space around his hermitage.

I am not a habitual birder, but in the spring of 2022, I thought that it would be interesting for the Motherhouse Community to know how many species of birds were actually close to the buildings, so I took my binoculars and began to consistently observe the trees and lawns. Within a couple of weeks I had identified over 60 bird species that could be seen and heard if you were listening and watching. In the spring of 2024, with my binoculars and the confirmation of the Cornell University bird-identification app, Merlin, I found that they were still here, along with others that I hadn’t previously identified. For the Motherhouse Community and visitors who care about the environment, knowing that so many birds and other forms of wildlife thrive on this property is a source of joy and responsibility.

Besides the thrill of discovery, birdwatching is a contemplative practice. It draws a person into quietness and awareness, expectant waiting, hopefulness that something will reveal itself, a sense of peace and oneness with the universe in the fullness of the moment and deep gratitude for the abundant gifts of God’s creation.

For the Motherhouse Community and the visitors who care about the environment,
knowing that so many birds and other forms of wildlife thrive on this property is a
source of joy and responsibility.

Agnes Hoormann RSCJ

To read all of the articles in the summer 2025 issue click here.