Since the Missus and I have been back in NYC for a while, we realize how important it is to get out of town from time to time. I’m quite lucky to have in-laws who are always willing to share the getaway house on the Upper Delaware in New York State. I know that this past year would have been very different if I didn’t have the opportunity to get out of dodge and get to this little slice of paradise.
It is hard to argue you with a view like that. Actually, let’s zoom out a bit . . . .
Yeah, you really can’t argue with that. Spring is finally here and that means that bird life is teeming. We had the pleasure of watching a group of turkey vultures pick at a deer carcass all through the day today, but unfortunately they didn’t make much sound. They were actually quite civil towards each other. I took the opportunity this weekend to record some of the birdlife, without the very polite turkey vultures.
I set up my gear on the deck in the backyard; this recording starts at around 5:00 AM. Unfortunately, paradise is not immune from vehicular traffic, but this is one of the cleaner sections. If you listen closely, you can hear the river flowing and tons of little birdies going to town.
I’d be grateful for any species IDs in the comments.
Recording Geek Note: Rig consists of Schoeps CMC5 setup for MS, with the MK4 as the mid. It was all tracked to a Sound Devices 744T at 24/96.
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Mountain Lake Biological Station
This post comes from Stephen Vitiello who has been spending time at the Mountain Lake Biological Station in Pembroke, VA: I was tipped off to some sounds to listen for – juvenile barred owls, calling after sunset. I left a pair of DPA 4060s in a tree over night and captured some call and response and a moment of rain.
Bird Deck
One of the things I love about long holiday weekends is that most of my neighbors head out of town. Last weekend was Memorial Day weekend here in the states, and in terms of noise, that means quiet. Not only were the neighbors quiet, but temperatures didn’t peak enough for HVAC units to start kicking on. With quiet in mind,
All Clad
What is that expression about making lemons out of lemonade? Or is it lemonade out of lemons. For the next few weeks my next door neighbors are having their roof and siding redone, and if I am going to have to suffer through it, I might as well get some useful recordings out of it. This recording is from day
Not an expert on birds….but am pretty sure I hear the Woodpeckers tapping. Would like to see if anyone else responds and recognizes the others.
Great capture!
nice one Michael. there is an owl in there – but can’t tell you the variety. that is a busy field you have there!
I hear:
Red-winged blackbird
Carolina wren
American crow
American Robin
Brown-headed cowbird
Mourning dove (No owl)
American goldfinch
Canada goose
Black-capped chickadee
Unknown woodpecker (I think hairy)
very nice & birdy. It will be another month before things get that busy around here. In addition to Martin’s list, I heard Song Sparrow, Northern Flicker (a couple of faint calls…may also be responsible for the drumming), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (faint, but distinct drum pattern – not the obvious / loud one) and something trilling near the end…maybe Dark-eyed Junco or possibly Chipping Sparrow, but there are a number of possibilities. I may have missed a couple as well
Very nice. You wouldn’t have heard the Turkey Vultures since they have no voice box, and therefore no call. They, along with Black Vultures, just hiss at you if you come too close – that’s just before they throw up on you (their somewhat unique form of defence!). We have Black Vultures that breed nearby (I’m in Dutchess County, NY, by the way), and last year I managed to record their hiss.