Field Techniques for Making Great Recordings of Birds Sounds
Summary
TLDRThis video script offers a guide to capturing high-quality bird recordings in the field. It emphasizes the importance of noting the date, time, and location, and using an eBird checklist. The tutorial covers proper microphone handling, setting recording levels to avoid distortion, and maintaining a steady aim on the bird. Tips for approaching birds without disturbing them, adjusting levels when moving closer, and being mindful of one's own noise while recording are also provided. The script encourages practice for mastering these techniques and achieving excellent bird recordings.
Takeaways
- 📅 Record the date, time, and location before starting to record bird sounds.
- 🔍 Use an eBird checklist to automatically capture details and note any relevant information.
- 🎧 Get into a comfortable position to record without moving, ensuring stability for better sound quality.
- 👀 If you can see the bird, aim the end of your microphone directly at it for optimal sound capture.
- 📊 Set the recording level or gain to avoid distortion or too quiet recordings, ideally between -30 and -12 decibels.
- 🔊 Adjust the gain so that you don't have to make changes mid-recording, allowing you to focus on the bird.
- 🕒 Aim to record for at least 30 seconds to capture a few songs or calls, and more if the bird continues to vocalize.
- 👣 If possible, approach the bird quietly to get closer for better recordings and recheck levels due to the change in distance.
- 👂 Use your ears to determine the direction of the bird's sound if you can't see it, moving your head to pinpoint the location.
- 🤫 Be as still and quiet as possible to avoid recording unwanted noises, including your own movements or breaths.
Q & A
Why is it important to note the date, time, and location before starting a bird recording?
-Recording the date, time, and location is important as it provides context for the recording and can be automatically captured by an eBird checklist, aiding in the identification and documentation of the bird species and their behavior.
What should you do to get into a comfortable position for recording birds?
-To record birds comfortably, you should find a position where you can stand quietly without disturbing the bird, and then press the 'Record' button to start the recording.
How can you confirm that your recorder is actually recording the sound?
-You can confirm that your recorder is recording by peeking at the 'Record' button or the display on the device to ensure it's active and capturing the audio.
What is the recommended aim when recording a bird that you can see?
-When you can see the bird, you should point the end of your microphone directly at the bird to capture the sound as accurately as possible.
What is the purpose of setting the level or gain on your recorder?
-Setting the level or gain ensures that the bird's sound is recorded at an optimal volume, preventing distortion if the sound is too loud or ensuring it's audible if it's too quiet.
What is the ideal peak recording level on the meter according to the script?
-The ideal peak recording level should be somewhere in the middle, roughly between -30 and -12 decibels on the recorder’s meter.
Why is it recommended to record for at least 30 seconds or until you've captured a few songs or calls?
-Recording for at least 30 seconds or until you've captured a few songs or calls ensures that you have a sufficient amount of audio data to identify the bird and its vocalizations.
What should you do if you want to get a better recording of a bird that continues to vocalize?
-If you want to get a better recording and believe you can get significantly closer without disturbing the bird, you should stop the recording, quietly approach the bird, find a good spot, and then start recording again.
Why is it important to recheck your levels after moving closer to the bird?
-After moving closer, the bird's voice will be louder, so rechecking your levels ensures that the recording does not become distorted due to excessive volume.
What are some tips for handling the microphone to reduce noise while recording?
-To reduce noise, you can bend your elbow and pull the microphone close to your body, hold it slightly away, or brace it with your other arm for support. It's also important to keep a steady grip that isn't too tight.
How can you determine the direction of a bird's sound if you can't see it?
-If you can't see the bird, you can use your ears to determine its direction by moving your head from side to side to figure out where the sound is coming from.
Outlines
🎧 Field Recording Techniques for Bird Sounds
The script provides a guide on how to make high-quality bird recordings in the field. It emphasizes the importance of noting the date, time, and location before recording, which can be automatically captured using an eBird checklist. The narrator advises finding a comfortable position to record from and ensuring the 'Record' button is pressed. The script then details how to properly aim the microphone at the bird and set the recording level to avoid distortion or excessively quiet recordings. It suggests recording for at least 30 seconds to capture several songs or calls and recommends getting closer to the bird if possible without disturbing it, rechecking levels after moving. Additional tips include using one's ears to determine the bird's direction if not visible, managing microphone handling to reduce noise, and maintaining silence and stillness to ensure the recording quality.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Field Recording
💡eBird Checklist
💡Microphone
💡Gain
💡Decibels
💡Distortion
💡Aim
💡Vocal Repertoire
💡Bird Calls and Songs
💡Field Techniques
💡Practice
Highlights
Emphasizes the importance of noting the date, time, and location before recording.
eBird checklist automatically captures recording details.
Advises on finding a comfortable position for quiet recording.
Confirms the recording status by checking the 'Record' button.
Details on perfecting aim by pointing the microphone at the bird.
Explains setting the recording level or gain.
Recommends peak recording level between -30 and -12 decibels.
Warns against distortion by avoiding peak levels near or over zero.
Suggests increasing gain if peak level is far below -30 decibels.
Advocates setting gain to avoid adjustments during recording.
Recommends recording for at least 30 seconds to capture songs or calls.
Encourages getting closer for better recordings without disturbing the bird.
Advises rechecking levels after moving closer to the bird.
Suggests recording longer to capture more of the bird's vocal repertoire.
Provides tips for determining the direction of a bird's sound when not visible.
Recommends holding the microphone close to the body for support.
Stresses the importance of being still and quiet to avoid noise in recordings.
Cautions against gripping the microphone too tightly to prevent noise.
Encourages patience and practice for mastering bird recording techniques.
Transcripts
[Jay] Okay, it's finally time to jump in and make some recordings in the field!
We’re going to show you good field techniques that will help you make great recordings,
no matter what kind of equipment you have.
Before you start recording, it’s important to note the date, time, and your location.
An eBird checklist will automatically capture these details for you.
You can also note this and any other relevant information in a recording.
(Kathi records date, time, and location)
When you find a bird you want to record, get yourself into a
comfortable position, so you can stand quietly while recording.
Then press the 'Record' button. It doesn’t hurt to peek
at your recorder to confirm that you are, in fact, recording.
Now it’s time to perfect your aim.
If you can see it, point the end of your microphone directly at the bird.
The next step is to set your level, or gain.
Take a look at the recorder's display and watch how far
the meter jumps up when the bird sings.
When the bird you are recording is singing, you want the peak recording level somewhere
in the middle, roughly between -30 and -12 decibels on the recorder’s meter.
If the meter shows the peak level close to or going over zero, you run the risk of distorting
your recording. You should decrease the gain to bring the peak down into the middle range.
(bird singing)
If the peak level is far below -30, the recording will be
too quiet, and you’ll want to increase the gain.
The trick is to set your gain so that you don’t have to adjust it in the middle of your recording.
That way, you can focus your attention on what
the bird is doing and change your aim if it moves.
Try to record from your spot for at least 30 seconds,
or until you’ve captured at least a few songs or calls.
If the bird continues to vocalize, consider getting closer to get a better recording.
If you think you can get significantly closer without disturbing the bird,
press 'Stop' on your recorder and quietly approach until you find a good spot.
Then press 'Record' again. Since you’ve moved closer,
the bird’s voice will be louder, so you’ll want to recheck your levels.
Now that you’re in a better position, try to record even longer to capture more of the
vocal repertoire of your target bird— perhaps a minute or two, or even more.
(bird singing)
Now that you know the basic steps to capturing a recording,
here are a few extra tips, to help you in the field.
If you can’t see the bird you want to record, use your ears to help determine its direction.
Moving your head from side to side can help you figure out where the sound is coming from.
Microphones can get heavy, especially when you’re recording for several minutes.
Instead of holding your arm out straight, you can bend your elbow,
pulling it in close to your body, or holding it just slightly away.
You can even brace it with your other arm, for additional support.
Finally, your sounds matter. You are, after all, the closest thing to your microphone.
If you move, step on dead leaves, talk, or even let out a sigh, these things will make
these things will make it onto your recording.
So, try to be as still and quiet as possible while recording.
Even your hand on the microphone can make a lot of noise,
so make sure to keep a steady grip that isn’t too tight.
This might sound like a lot of things to keep track
of while you’re in the moment of recording a singing bird.
But, with patience and practice, each of these steps will become second nature.
So, get out there and start practicing. You’ll be rewarded with some great recordings.
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