Capture the Chorus: Recording Bird Sounds to Preserve Nature’s Melody
If you were old enough to buy CDs in the ’90s, you may remember listening stations at superstores that featured music by some of nature’s noisiest creatures: birds. These CDs blended classical music like Brahms’ lullaby with the plaintive call of a loon, or smooth jazz coupled with the howls of wolves (Jazz Wolf, anyone? It was a 1993 classic). Sometimes the composers even threw in a frog ribbit or cricket chirp in this golden age of nature mashups.
While these CDs provided entertainment for curious shoppers, some people prefer their nature sounds unadorned. For them, capturing bird sounds through recording equipment is a popular activity. Whether it’s a high-pitched squawk of a Clark’s nutcracker or the melodic song of a Swainson’s thrush, these sounds are as varied as human voices. Recording bird sounds not only captures memories but also serves purposes such as contributing to research or simply holding onto the ephemeral beauty of birdsong.
Lance Benner, a scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is not only fascinated by bird vocalizations but also actively records them while hiking and mountain biking. He believes that some bird songs are nothing short of magical, and recording them allows him to preserve these brief moments in time. Moreover, learning bird songs can help identify species that may be difficult to spot visually, especially in densely forested areas.
Recording bird sounds can be done using simple solutions like a smartphone or more advanced equipment. Benner recommends using apps like Voice Memos, Voice Record Pro, Song Sleuth, or Bird Genie for iPhone users. Android users can try RecForge II. External microphones can also be attached to smartphones for better sound quality.
For better recording quality, investing in a separate recorder with an external microphone is an option. A shotgun microphone, such as the Sennheiser ME67, is best for capturing low-frequency sounds like owl calls. These microphones absorb sound from a specific direction and can be purchased from various retailers. Additionally, open acoustic devices like the AudioMoth or Song Meter Mini can automatically record sounds at specified intervals for extended periods.
To obtain clearer recordings, it is advisable to get closer to the birds and select quieter areas. Background noise should be minimized by avoiding talking and recording in noisy or windy conditions. Playing back recordings and adjusting settings like sensitivity and gain can also improve the quality.
Sharing these recordings with the world is not only enjoyable but also contributes to bird conservation and research. Important conservation changes have been made based on bird recordings, such as restoring bird habitat in certain areas. Online platforms like eBird and Xeno-Canto provide avenues for sharing and accessing bird recordings, catering to both researchers and hobbyists alike.
In conclusion, recording bird sounds offers a unique way to preserve nature’s melodies and contribute to bird conservation efforts. It allows individuals to connect with avian species in a deeper and more immersive manner, capturing the essence of their songs. So, whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a new outdoor hobby, capturing the chorus of bird sounds might just be the perfect endeavor for you.
