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.