Imagine never again hearing a bird from your childhood memories. This trailer for the film "The Nightingale's Song" explores one man's appreciation for a beloved species that is disappearing. As climate change becomes more perceptible across the world, we will sadly see a shift and loss of species which are currently part of our collective memory. Knowing this, we can take time now to cherish relationships with species that might one day become extinct. Nightingales are one such species that is threatened. They have lit up the forests of England at night every spring for thousands of years, inspiring generations of writers, artists, and musicians. But as climate change and development harm their habitats, nightingales may disappear from the country within the next fifty years. What would be forgotten if we no longer heard the call of this beloved bird? In this film, we meet Sam Lee, a folk singer who draws on an ancient lineage of traditional folk music as he joins this elusive bird in spontaneous song. Through his practice of devotion to the nightingale, Sam opens a pathway into a deepening relationship of care, stewardship, and love with these songbirds and the living world we share.

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  • Nitul Ojha

    At what point did we stop hearing.. that .. that is a nightingale over there..this one hit home for me. I am not even listening to birdsongs any more. I am not even trying to. Birds seem to be the voices of silent nature. Will do better now to tune into them. And try to immerse myself. Arigato.

  • Becky

    This is glorious. To see the entire film visit https://emergencemagazine.org/film/the-nightingales-song/

  • Kristin Pedemonti

    Such beautiful birdsong. How sad that so many humans do not appreciate or understand. So sad to know that so many species face extinction due to human greed.

  • Wendy

    I originally saw this full version of the video via Emergence Magazine. I was so moved by the duet between Sam and the Nightingale and so sad to realize these lovely creatures could be gone forever. My friend and I are planning a trip to England from America so that we can hear them for ourselves. I also loved how nature "saved Sam" in his adolescence.

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  • Watch the whole forty minute film to learn more about the nightingale. 
  • Learn more about which species will be most affected by climate change and what you can do about it. 
  • Take some time in your day to sit quietly and honor the wonder and fragility of life around you. Experience the relationship you have with other creatures such as a bird, an insect, or a plant.  Allow yourself to cherish that experience.

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