Episode 152: Winter Storm Fern

Recorded on January 24, 2026 at Heart Place, this is the sound of the first day of Winter Storm Fern as sleet and ice begin to fall across the hill country. Even as the storm sets in, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal and House Finch continue to move and call through the cold.

Winter Storm Fern became an historic and devastating ice storm, causing catastrophic damage to infrastructure across North Mississippi, with Panola, Lafayette, Tallahatchie and Yalobusha counties sustaining the greatest impact. Ice accumulation brought down trees, including a favorite hundred-year-old post oak at the dogtrot, and power lines, leaving many without electricity for weeks. The recordist was without power or heat for two weeks and without internet for three.

More rhythmic than rain, the steady ticking of ice across the winter landscape creates a natural white noise that is well suited for relaxation or sleep.