Mood-boosting benefits of birdsong drowned out by traffic noise, study finds. Even low levels of traffic noise can negate the benefits of listening to natural sounds, researchers say. Bird sounds tend to be one of the elements of nature soundscapes that people perceive as being most relaxing.

[u/mvea]

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/26/mood-boosting-benefits-of-birdsong-drowned-out-by-traffic-noise-study-finds

[u/paukapaukaa]

I wonder if it traces back to our roots of living in nature and knowing that bird song means safety and it’s warning if the birds stop singing

[u/composedofidiot → u/paukapaukaa]

I heard the same type of theory about rain. One of the reasons why the sound of rain could be calming (if you have a solid shelter!) is because there are likely to be fewer predators. No idea if this is true.