Field Techniques for Making Great Recordings of Birds Sounds

Summary

This 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

00:00

🎧 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.

Keywords

💡Field Recording

Field recording refers to the process of capturing audio outside of a studio environment, often in natural settings. In the context of the video, field recording is the primary activity, focusing on capturing bird songs and calls. The script emphasizes the importance of using good techniques to ensure high-quality recordings, such as noting the date, time, and location, and adjusting recording levels appropriately.

💡eBird Checklist

An eBird checklist is a tool used by bird watchers to record observations of bird species. The script mentions that an eBird checklist can automatically capture details like date, time, and location, which are crucial for documenting bird recordings. This integration of technology with field recording aids in creating a comprehensive record of bird sightings and sounds.

💡Microphone

A microphone is a device used to convert sound waves into electrical signals for recording. The script provides tips on how to use a microphone effectively during field recording, such as pointing it directly at the bird and adjusting the gain to achieve optimal recording levels. The microphone's position and handling are critical for capturing clear and undistorted bird sounds.

💡Gain

Gain, in audio recording, refers to the amplification of the input signal. The script explains the importance of setting the correct gain to avoid distortion or too quiet recordings. It suggests aiming for peak levels between -30 and -12 decibels, which ensures the bird's songs are captured clearly without overloading the recorder.

💡Decibels

Decibels (dB) are a unit of measurement for the intensity of sound. In the script, decibels are used to describe the levels on the recorder's meter, which helps in setting the appropriate gain. Understanding decibel levels is essential for achieving a balanced recording that is neither too loud nor too soft.

💡Distortion

Distortion in audio recording occurs when the signal is too strong, causing a loss of clarity and quality. The script warns against peak levels going over zero decibels, as this can lead to distortion. Avoiding distortion is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the bird's sound recordings.

💡Aim

Aim, in the context of the script, refers to the physical orientation of the microphone towards the sound source, which is the bird in this case. Proper aiming is emphasized as a technique to improve the quality of the recording by ensuring the microphone captures the sound directly and clearly.

💡Vocal Repertoire

Vocal repertoire denotes the full range of sounds and songs that a bird can produce. The script encourages recording for extended periods to capture more of a bird's vocal repertoire, which can provide valuable insights into its behavior and communication.

💡Bird Calls and Songs

Bird calls and songs are the sounds produced by birds for communication and other purposes. The script's main focus is on recording these sounds in the field, highlighting the need for patience and practice to capture them effectively. Understanding bird calls and songs is key to appreciating the content of the recordings.

💡Field Techniques

Field techniques are the methods and practices used to conduct successful field recordings. The script outlines various techniques, such as getting into a comfortable position, maintaining a steady grip on the microphone, and being as still and quiet as possible to minimize interference with the recording.

💡Practice

Practice, as mentioned in the script, is the process of repeatedly performing an activity to improve at it. In the context of field recording, practice is essential for mastering the techniques and becoming proficient at capturing high-quality bird sounds. The script encourages viewers to practice to achieve better recordings over time.

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.