Newberry, S.C. Gets a Cicada Concert
Springtime in Newberry, South Carolina, has always meant the arrival of chirping birds and blooming flowers. But this year, things are a bit louder than usual with the return of cicadas. They’re buzzing everywhere, creating a concert of sounds that can’t be missed. These small insects have decided that it’s finally time to make their long-awaited debut after spending the last 13 to 17 years underground!
Cicadas Making Their Mark
For many residents in the Midlands and Upstate, the loud buzzing noise filling the air is arguably the most prominent sound of spring. These lively creatures are coming up from their hidden homes beneath the ground, eager to join the chorus of nature as they embark on their mating season. Newberry County Sheriff, Lee Foster, described the cacophony as “Biblical,” likening it to the sound of a swarm of locusts. And to be fair, the sound is so striking that it has even led some residents to call the Sheriff’s Office inquiring about the source of the commotion!
Nature’s Loudest Song
It turns out that the buzz is simply nature doing its thing, and Sheriff Foster took to social media to reassure the community, explaining that the noise doesn’t violate any noise ordinances—it’s just good old cicadas being themselves. As he put it, “I think people should go out there and enjoy it,” suggesting that it’s not often you get to experience such a unique phenomenon.
Outside at Lynch’s Woods Park, the sound was deafeningly loud. Local resident Bryn Eagleson, who moved here from Michigan, shared her experience: “The first time I heard it, I thought it was some sort of alarm or siren for sure.” She described how the sound seemed to come from every direction, making it hard to pinpoint its source. That’s what happens when thousands of cicadas decide to harmonize!
The Science Behind the Buzz
But why are they so loud? Well, according to entomologists like Eric LoPresti at the University of South Carolina, cicadas are simply expressing their love! Their collective song can reach volumes that surpass even a police siren, coming in a close second to the roar of a jet engine. And don’t worry—these bugs are completely harmless, so there’s no need to be concerned about any potential bites! Instead, this eco-event is an excellent source of excitement for local wildlife. “It’s really a bonanza for things like birds and rodents,” LoPresti noted, as these creatures feast on the protein-rich insects.
Community Reactions
Responses among residents have been varied yet all tinged with curiosity. Kelli Helms, enjoying an afternoon walk, described the noise as “definitely obnoxious, but it’s pretty cool.” Others found the experience to be almost meditative, with Eagleson saying that the sound transforms her walks into peaceful meditations. “Just that sound in the background kind of puts you into a meditative state,” she remarked, sharing her appreciation for the rare occurrence.
Temporary Visitors
The cicadas will only be around for about two to three weeks, as the mating season draws to a close. So if you want to hear this unique concert, now’s the time to get outside! And keep in mind that the next swarm of cicadas won’t make their appearance in South Carolina until 2037. Just a tiny bit of a wait for those who might miss their buzzing friends this time around!
So, whether you find their sound calming or a bit too loud for your liking, one thing is for sure: this annual part of spring is back, and it’s here to remind us all of the incredible cycle of nature. So, make sure to step outside, soak it all in, and perhaps even join in on the cicada celebration!
