Soundscapes for Birders
By Kevin J Colver
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Podcast Description
Whether you’re a birder or just love the natural world, you will enjoy these quality digital recordings of wild places and creatures. PC users may need to download and install QuickTime. Also find us at the iTunes Store. File sizes for these sounds are larger to keep quality high, please be patient as the files may take a minute or two to download. Thank You.
| Name | Description | Released | Price | ||
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1 |
Flickers and Sapsuckers at Sheep Creek, Utah | Northern Flickers and Red-napped Sapsuckers are busy defining spring territory on this (still snowy) mountainside covered with aspen and fir. Here, it sounds like spring before it looks like spring, as you can see from the photo taken on the morning of t | 4/28/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 2 | VideoThunder Lizards | Before birds were birds, they were dinosaurs. Now, through fantastic recreation of sound, you can hear what an ancient Jurassic jungle may have sounded like. Sounds are copyright by Kevin J Colver. Photos are copyright by Bryanne Colver. | 1/28/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 3 | VideoShort-eared Owl by John Hartog | “An early morning sageland soundscape featuring short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) with barks, hoots, wing-claps, flybys and other interesting behavior. This excerpt begins with the Wilson's snipe winnowing in the distance and a surrounding chor | 9/10/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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4 |
Snowy Plover | Unless you spend time lying quietly out on the open mudflats, you are unlikely to hear the calls and courtship activity of the diminutive Snowy Plover. These Plovers were foraging and socializing at the Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge at sunset. A | 9/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 5 | VideoArctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Coastal Tundra | I love the liquid song of Lapland Longspurs on the coastal tundra of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Also listen for Red and Red-necked Phalaropes in a puddle, a Longtailed Duck arriving in a nearby pond, and a Semipalmated Sandpiper trill | 4/28/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 6 | VideoWoodpeckers and Loons at Ferd’s Bog, by David Michael | David Michael recorded these sounds at Ferd’s Bog in the Adirondack range. David reports the following species: Pileated Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Common Yellowthroat, Spring Peepers, Common Loon, Hermit Thrush, American | 3/2/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 7 | VideoGreat Horned Owls | Jeff Rice recorded these nesting Great Horned Owls near their nest on Orcas Island, Washington. These are some of the nicest owl recordings I’ve heard. We’re a bit unsure what the owls were up to but I wonder if a rival owl was causing the | 2/3/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 8 | VideoDawn at French Mountain, Nova Scotia, by Recordist Mark Brennan | French Mountain, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, 4.20AM Mark Brennan describes the scene: “I spent 4 days in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in June 2010. My original intent was to try to record the endang | 12/31/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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9 |
Churchhill, Manitoba by John Neville | Recordist John Neville brings us to the edge of a lake near Churchhill, Manitoba as he made recordings for his newly released “Bird Songs of the Central Boreal Forest.” Churchhill is a birder’s hot spot destination, famed for | 11/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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10 |
Cattle Drive, plus a mystery bird. | Here is a mystery bird which flew by as a cowgirl and cowboys brought down the last stray cattle off the mountain before winter. The cattle are crossing Diamond Fork creek in Utah. Listen for the faint and brief bird calls starting at 3:12 minutes into | 11/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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11 |
Prairie Thunderstorm | Clouds rise and a thunderstorm moves across the prairie grasslands of the mid-west. Listen for the Dickcissel, Eastern Meadowlark, Northern Bobwhite, Red-winged Blackbird, American Robin, and a House Wren that sings from a nearby brushy woodlot. Phot | 10/31/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 12 | VideoYellow-rumped Warbler | Listen in this aspen and fir mixed woodland situated in the central Rocky Mountains for Ruffed Grouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Common Raven, White-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Chipping Sparrow, Northern Three-toed Woodpecker, Ru | 10/4/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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13 |
Sage & Juniper Dawn, Utah | This patch of desert doesn’t look like much. And, most of the year, it doesn’t sound like much either. However, an hour before dawn in early June there are plenty of birds to hear. A Common Poorwill winds down his predawn song. Common Ni | 7/20/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 14 | VideoRavens in the Mountains | This pair of Common Ravens are probably courting, although their interactions sound more like divorce court. Recorded in Spruce, Fir, and Aspen, you may also hear Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Olive-sided Flycatcher, American Robin, Chipping Sparrow, Pine Siskin | 6/28/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 15 | VideoWhite-throated Swift Colony | A White-throated Swift colony is nestled within the crags of a precipitous canyon cliff. Once the sun warms the canyon, the swifts slice through the air capturing insect prey. Food is abundant, so the swifts have time to vocalize in flamboyant courtship | 6/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 16 | VideoMuddy Brook Wildlife Management Area, Massachusetts | A breezy dawn in this northeastern woodland is filled with the songs and calls of Wood Thrush, Magnolia Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Spring Peeper, Red-winged Blackbird, Tufted Titmouse, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Dark- | 5/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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17 |
Greater Sage Grouse Lek | Greater Sage Grouse are elegant birds of the vast sagebrush plains. The most vigorous males congregate in leks during spring courtship display. For this recording a microphone was planted within a sagebrush to capture the lek sounds, at times only inche | 4/26/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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18 |
Lytle Ranch Preserve, Utah | The Mohave Desert extends a toe-hold into southern Utah along the Beaver Dam Wash. Desert scrub along the rushing creek creates a little paradise for the birds. Listen here near the pond for Verdin, Lesser Goldfinch, calls of Lucy’s Warbler, Blue | 4/19/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 19 | VideoSandhill Crane Migration, Nebraska | Sandhill Cranes gather by the tens of thousands along Nebraska’s Platte River during their spring migration northward. Listen as several hundred prepare for the morning along the gravel riverbank. Can you also hear the American Robin, Western Mea | 2/24/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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20 |
Indigo Bunting, May in Missouri | This Indigo Bunting sang in a mid-west woodland on a slightly rainy spring morning. Also listen for Eastern Wood-pewee, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, and American Crow. Photo copyright Bryan Shirley. Sounds copyright Kevin J Colver. | 1/14/10 | Free | View In iTunes |
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21 |
Thick-billed Murre, Pribilof Islands, Alaska | Thick-billed Murre nests along the rocky cliffs of St. Paul island. Black-legged Kittiwakes can be heard coming and going to nearby nests. Photo copyright Bryan Shirley. Sounds copyright 2007 Kevin J Colver. | 11/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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22 |
Georgia woodland | This is a summer morning in the woods of Harris Neck NWR in coastal Georgia. How many bird species can you identify? How about the frog? Photo and sounds copyright 2007 Kevin J Colver. | 11/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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23 |
Katmai Wilderness, Alaska | Along a quiet stretch of the Nunvianuk river several bird species nest in the willows. Golden-crowned Sparrow, Wilson’s Warbler, Fox and White-crowned Sparrows are all here. This recording is part of a CD, Katmai Wilderness, available for do | 10/28/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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24 |
Common Loon, Manitoba | A large lake in Manitoba rings with the sounds of Red-necked Grebe, Common Loon, Mallard, Spotted Sandpiper, Song Sparrow, and the whistling wing beats of Common Goldeneye. Do you hear the Northern Saw-whet Owl near the end, adding a bit of song as night | 10/13/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 25 | VideoElk Bugling, Grand Teton National Park | Bird sounds are subdued in late autumn in the Tetons. American Robins are eating Hawthorn berries, Red Crosbills wander in search of pine seeds, and Black-billed Magpies are nearby. And of course the Red Squirrels are preparing for winter. Oh, did I | 10/3/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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26 |
San Pedro River Pond, Arizona | This pond near the visitor’s center at the San Pedro river resounds with birds. Listen for the Mexican Mallard and Common Moorhen in the water. Red-winged Blackbirds, Yellow Warblers, Green Kingfisher, White-winged Dove, Vermillion Flycatcher, Co | 9/1/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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27 |
Saguaro National Park, Arizona | Jeff Rice, principle recordist for the Western Soundscape Archive, contributes this dawn recording from King Canyon. Can you hear the Cactus Wren, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Verdin, Gilded Flicker, Gila Woodpecker, Curve-billed Thrasher, Spotted and Canyon | 8/28/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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28 |
Rufous Hummingbirds, Rocky Mountain Wildflower Meadow | Rufous Hummingbirds have found a colorful patch of nectar-rich wildflowers in a Rocky Mountain meadow. Competition between feeding birds results in some angry chatter and high speed dog fights. A Broad-tailed Hummingbird flies by, his trill heard right | 8/14/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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29 |
Great Gray Owlets, Wyoming | By leaving my recorder stationed in a forest all night, I was able to listen in on the screeching calls of three juvenile Great Gray Owls. Each has to compete with it’s siblings, begging for the attention of a harried parent. Juvenile photo to | 8/2/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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30 |
Bufflehead Ducks, Wyoming | Bufflehead Ducks and Barrow’s Goldeneye ducks are active along the bank of Two Oceans Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Aspen and willows line the lake, full of Yellow and MacGillevray’s Warblers, Warbling Vireos, Willow Flycatchers | 7/22/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 31 | VideoAspen Grove, Utah | As summer progresses the bird song is dramatically diminished, but the birds are still here. A Northern Flicker sounds like a carpenter, methodically working the trees for grubs. Chipping Sparrows search the meadow for seeds. A Brown Creeper still sing | 7/13/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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32 |
Two Oceans Lake, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming | Again at Two Oceans Lake, listen for Brown-headed Cowbird, Warbling Vireo, Northern Flicker, Yellow Warbler, Lincoln’s Sparrow, MacGillevray’s Warbler, Sora, Wilson’s Snipe, and Sandhill Crane. Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, an | 7/8/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 33 | VideoLincoln’s Sparrow at Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming | Two Oceans Lake is a less visited but worthy destination in the Grand Teton National Park. Mixed conifer, aspen, and underbrush at the lake shore have attracted this Lincoln’s Sparrow. Wet leaves are still dripping from an overnight shower, but n | 7/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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34 |
Hermit Thrush, Utah | The flute-like song of the Hermit Thrush is one often listed among favorite bird songs. By special listener request, this Hermit Thrush is presented, along with a Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Tana | 6/17/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 35 | VideoPyrrhuloxia at Big Bend National Park, Texas | This desert wash is dominated by the songs of Pyrrhuloxia in spring. Can you also hear the Cactus Wren, Scaled Quail, and Black-throated Sparrow? Photo copyright Bryan Shirley www.bshirleybirding.com | 6/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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36 |
Snowy Egret Colony, Utah | Snowy Egrets are establishing territory in this damp patch of reeds at Fish Springs NWR in Utah. White-faced Ibis use the area for roosting and may also be establishing nesting sites. Listen also for Marsh Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, Black-crowned Ni | 6/11/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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37 |
Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona | Among birders, Cave Creek Canyon earns it’s reputation as a prime birding destination. A lush riparian canyon floor is rimmed by spectacular cliffs and hills, all filled with exciting birds. Listen for Arizona specialties such as Elegant Trogo | 6/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 38 | VideoPacific-slope Flycatcher in the Redwoods, California | Deep in the redwood forests of northern California a Pacific-slope Flycatcher sings a dawn song. Later, listen for his upslurred call. Can you hear the band of Chestnut-backed Chickadees nearby? Stellar’s Jays call in the distance and a Winte | 5/19/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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39 |
Snipe and Rusty Cowbird, British Colombia, Canada | Ever been on a Snipe hunt? Wilson’s Snipe are often located by ear. Here on a thawing mountain pond we hear the snipe calling while another winnows in flight above. The pines sway and crackle in spring winds. Rusty Blackbird, his numbers d | 5/4/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 40 | VideoBlack-crowned Night-herons at Sunset | Back at Fish Springs NWR in Utah, a patch of bullrushes has been adopted as a roost for a group of Black-crowned Night-herons. Marsh Wrens are singing on territory, American Coots are back for spring, and a pair of Pied-billed Grebes remain hidden but du | 4/23/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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41 |
Painted Bunting, Lost Maples, Texas | Painted Bunting, Northern Cardinal, Canyon and Bewick’s Wrens and Yellow-breasted Chat are heard from this open meadow near a rocky cliff face. You will want to spend the day wandering Lost Maples, a beautiful and peaceful place that will charm th | 4/18/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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42 |
Virginia Rail, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Utah | The night was moonless, the chill was deepening, and the metronome clicking song of Virginia Rails had gone on for hours. At 01:30 an American Wigeon dropped into the marshy pond, setting off some comments from drowsy neighbors. A Mallard flew in. Then | 3/29/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 43 | VideoSeedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Wyoming | Seedskadee NWR in central Wyoming was active with waterfowl this month. The Green River remains ice free and the refuge ponds thaw during the day and refreeze at night. On a warm afternoon this pond had Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, Mallards, Northern | 3/20/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 44 | VideoBentsen-Rio Grande, Texas | The Rio Grande welcomes visiting birders from the American Birding Association! You won’t want to miss the trails of Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park. Green Jay, White-tipped Dove, White-winged Dove, Clay-colored Robin, Plain Chachalaca, Olive | 3/5/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 45 | VideoMidnight at a Tyrannosaurus Rex Nest? | Are birds dinosaurs? Imagine a Triassic jungle birding trip. You’ve had a great day and settle into your little dome tent for the night. As the dark night progresses you realize with some degree of terror that you have camped near a T rex nest. | 2/25/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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46 |
Black-capped Vireo, Devil’s River, Texas | Devil’s River is a great place to seek the rare Black-capped Vireo. This male sings from a patch of scrubby brush along the dirt road leading in to Devil’s River. Listen for Cactus Wren, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and others in the background. | 2/25/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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47 |
Woodland Morning, Missouri | As the morning progresses we listen for American Robin, Northern (Yellow-Shafted) Flicker, Eastern Wood-pewee, Baltimore Oriole, and Blue Jay. A Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Northern Cardinal are in the background. Photo copyright Bryan Shirley www. | 2/15/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| 48 | VideoArctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska | The coastal plain of the ANWR is a vast expanse of tundra habitat. Life is abundant here but creatures are spread out over large areas, thus a large area is required to preserve them and patience is required to observe them. With time, nature reveals h | 1/30/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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49 |
Pond at Southmost Preserve, Nature Conservancy, Texas | The Nature Conservancy has preserved precious and rare habitat along the Rio Grande in southern Texas. Border fence construction threatens the integrity of this habitat. A pond, just behind the home of the preserve manager, is filled with life. Listen | 1/27/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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50 |
Northern California Beach | This one is just for relaxation. Waves on the sandy beach are a background for White-crowned Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and an American Goldfinch, all nesting in coastal scrub. Did you hear the Barn Swallow fly by? Photo copyright Bryan Shirley www.bs | 1/22/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 50 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
Just what I've been looking for.
I am a Birdwatcher. When I first got my iPod I spent some time looking for something like this but couldn't find what I wanted. Just a bird chorus, all natural. These are not generic 'sounds of the rain forest' recordings. They are the natural sounds of a specific location. It's almost like being there. Many of the birds I recognize and some are very familiar. The sound quality is great. Keep them coming.
Outstanding
This is one of my favorite podcasts. Aside from being beautiful to listen to, these recordings are ideal for practicing or learning birdsong identification because they present the birds in a natural context-- just the way you would hear them in the field. And it's not just birds. I recently listened to Colver's elk recordings, and once again I was blown away. They are the best I've ever heard.
I made a playlist all it's own!
Thanks so much for this great audio! Good, clean, clear audio like this is is very hard to find indeed! I find it very relaxing.
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