I’m pleased to announce a 21-minute audio podcast commemorating my early to mid March visit to Big Bend National Park in Texas. Along with bees buzzing, great insect choruses, and the gurgling of the Rio Grande, enjoy the songs of Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Mexican Jay, White-winged Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Great-Horned Owl, Elf Owl, Western Screech-Owl, and more! …
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Big Bend National Park
by Lang Elliott | Mar 19, 2017 | 3 comments
I arrived in Big Bend National Park on March 9, accompanied by my field assistant Beth Bannister. The Park was super-crowded because of college students on their spring break, but we were fortunate to obtain a camp spot in the popular Basin Campground, high in the Chisos Mountains …
READ MORELost Maples Natural Area
by Lang Elliott | Mar 18, 2017 | 3 comments
From March 6-8, field assistant Beth Bannister and I explored Lost Maples State Natural Area, in the Hill Country near Vanderpool, Texas. I’ve recorded at Lost Maples a number of times and was excited to visit, but was concerned that there would be little to record so early in the spring. I’m happy to report that was I wrong …
READ MORELower Rio Grande Valley
by Lang Elliott | Mar 18, 2017 | 8 comments
Enjoy the unusual sounds of Common Pauraques and Plain Chachalacas, recorded from March 7-9 in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of extreme southern Texas. These Central and South American species only range into the United States in this region …
READ MOREThe Louisiana Coastal Marshes
by Lang Elliott | Mar 5, 2017 | 35 comments
At long last, I hereby publish the first podcast of my 2017 journey, highlighting a variety of recordings that I just made in the coastal marshes of Louisiana, in and around three National Wildlife Refuges. Featured are the voices of: Red-winged Blackbird, Loggerhead Shrike, King Rail, Nutria, Least Bittern, Northern Cardinal, Midges, Northern Cricket Frog, Boat-tailed Grackle, and Common Moorhen!
READ MOREWinter Birdscape
by Lang Elliott | Jan 12, 2017 | 44 comments
Winter is generally quiet here in the rolling hills of upstate New York, with the exception of the gurgle of brooks, wind in the trees, and occasional bird sounds. A few years ago, I made a special effort to record winter soundscapes. For the most part, I was not that successful. But on one ocassion, I got lucky …
READ MOREHermit Thrush and Light Rain – Podcast Prototype
by Lang Elliott | Dec 9, 2016 | 4 comments
“Hermit Thrush in Light Rain” is a podcast prototype and an exploration of the “Audio Postcard” format … about a minute of talking, followed by a over a minute of the soundscape itself …
READ MOREPrairie Marsh – Podcast Prototype
by Lang Elliott | Nov 25, 2016 | 1 comment
The prairie pothole marshes have some of the most extraordinary soundscapes that I’ve encountered anywhere during my travels. I made this wonderful recording near Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota, way back in 1993, the year I began collecting binaural soundscapes. It is still among my most treasured recordings …
READ MOREBobolink Meadow – Podcast Prototype
by Lang Elliott | Nov 20, 2016 | 30 comments
I am always thrilled when the Bobolinks arrive in early May, having flown nearly 6000 miles from as far south as Argentina. Back in 2009, I got a splendid soundscape shortly after their return, when the males were setting up their territories, chasing one another about, and actively searching for females. This soundscape is the subject of my newest podcast prototype …
READ MORERobin Flock in Light Rain
by Lang Elliott | Oct 31, 2016 | 35 comments
Sometimes, a compelling soundscape will present itself when least expected. Yesterday afternoon, during a light rain, I took a brief walk around our pond. To my delight, a flock of American Robins had settled into the patch of woods next to the pond and individuals were calling excitedly as they flew from perch to perch …
READ MOREAutumn Jays (and more)
by Lang Elliott | Oct 27, 2016 | 17 comments
As autumn turns to winter, I find myself spending less time outdoors and way more time in front of my computer. Nonetheless, I have managed to get some new field recordings, the most interesting being a soundscape I recorded in Shindagin Hollow a few weeks ago …
READ MOREWood Duck Revelry
by Lang Elliott | Oct 18, 2016 | 38 comments
Wood Ducks have been gathering in woodland ponds as of late, with males and females courting like crazy, prior to their migration southward. You’re sure to enjoy this video, which features outstanding photographs by bird photographer Marie Read, accompanied by sound recordings by yours truly …
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