"Zwitschern" - German for 'chirping.'
New data has suggested that just listening to recordings of nature sounds can help boost mood, alleviate stress, and potentially decrease pain. In a similar way that Laughter Yoga can have a positive influence our physiology, human bodies can't tell the difference between live nature sounds and a recording. This means the affects on our wellbeing can be felt just the same.
The Zwitscherbox was designed to replicate the birdsongs heard in the idyllic Black Forest of southwest Germany, a region known for it's picturesque mountain ranges and evergreen trees. The local villages are also renowned for their handmade cuckoo clocks, which has surely inspired the design of the Zwitscherbox.
The Zwitscherbox is motion-sensitive and covers a range of up to 4ft. The songs of several Blackbirds plays for two minutes before gently fading out. This makes it perfect for use in transition spaces like entrance halls, or short-stay rooms like guest-bathrooms and washrooms. The volume can be adjusted by turning the dial on the box's left, and while this is definitely useful I do wish there was an option for continous play, too.
On the reverse of the box you can find a hook-indent which can be used for wall-hanging. I've preferred to keep mine off the walls so that I can freely move it around with me. On some mornings I like to listen to the birds while I'm having a shower, but sometimes I keep it beside me while I practise yoga, or meditate.
I found my Zwitscherbox in a local shop so the colour options were limited. The white box fits in with the minimal style in my home, but I do wish I'd had the choice of the full range. If I could have chosen any colour I'd have gone for the Walnut Wood. I love the idea of bringing more natural colours inside the home and I think more earthy/brown tones would compliment that vibe.
For anyone who enjoys the calming sounds of nature, or for those who regularly work from home, the Zwitscherbox is an excellent choice. With prices starting from around £40 this bird-box can definitely be considered a luxury item, but it could be a beautiful addition to your workspace, or make for quite the thoughtful gift. I've made excellent use of mine over the last few years, and so far I haven't had to change the batteries.
