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 …
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Binaural Soundscapes
Binaural Soundscapes | Podcasts | Videos | Birds | Mammals | Amphibians | Reptiles | Insects | Ramblings | Miscellaneous
The Louisiana Coastal Marshes
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!
Winter Birdscape
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 …
Hermit Thrush and Light Rain – Podcast Prototype
“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 …
Prairie Marsh – Podcast Prototype
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 …
Bobolink Meadow – Podcast Prototype
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 …
Robin Flock in Light Rain
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 …
Autumn Jays (and more)
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 …
Wood Duck Revelry
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 …
Bugling of the Elk
In mid-October, I went on an expedition to witness the bugling of Elk (Cervus canadensis) in a free-ranging herd near Benezette, Pennsylvania. Although we arrived at the tail end of the rutting season, we were not disappointed …
Apalachicola – Podcast Prototype
Join me on a camping expedition to the Apalachicola National Forest in the panhandle of Florida. You’re sure to be amazed at the fascinating natural soundscape of the southern pine woods … birds, frogs, insects and mammals sounding off from night into day …
Journey Highlights #4 – Louisiana & Arkansas
Leaving the Hill Country of Texas on August 5, I drove straight east into the southwest corner of Louisiana where I visited Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. The next day I traveled northward to Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Arkansas. This post features highlights from both locations, including numerous recordings of birds, frogs, mammals, and insects …
Journey Highlights #3 – Oklahoma & Texas
After recording in Missouri’s tallgrass prairie, I drove south and west to spend an afternoon and evening in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Oklahoma, followed by an overnight at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in the Hill Country of Texas. In spite of miserably hot temperatures and a fairly stiff breeze, I managed to snag a few really useful recordings, including a growling Bison …
Journey Highlights #2 – Tallgrass Prairie
From August 1-2, I recorded in two tallgrass prairie locations in southwestern Missouri, Taberville Prairie Conservation Area, a beautiful refuge with a sweeping view from the parking lot, and Prairie State Park, which sports wonderful expanses of prairie grasses. As expected, the nature sounds were compelling.
Journey Highlights #1 – Missouri River
I arrived in Missouri on the evening of July 28. I spent the night sleeping in my tent in a beautiful hardwood forest along a ridge overlooking the Missouri River. Awakening at first light, I was completely surprised by the rich chorus of Wood Thrushes, sounding off from all directions …
















