Songbirding

Otter Lake, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 07:32:00 -0400

Hiking through the rocky alvar reveals talkative Red-eyed Vireos, riled up American Redstarts, and boastful Common Yellowthroats.

Recorded on July 17, 2019 near Cape Chin North, Ontario, Canada. See the eBird checklist.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/
Creative Commons Sounds provided by Erokia/Jordan Powell from https://freesound.org/

Otter Lake, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 07:33:00 -0400

Edge habitats and fields yield songful Indigo Buntings, peeved Red-winged Blackbirds and Bobolinks.

Recorded on July 17, 2019 near Cape Chin North, Ontario, Canada. See the eBird checklist.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.
Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley.
With additional Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell.

Otter Lake, Part 3

Rob Porter — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 07:34:00 -0400

Trail turns to road, an enthusiastic Black-throated Green Warbler cooperates loudly while Northern Waterthrush tease in silence.

Recorded on July 17, 2019 near Cape Chin North, Ontario, Canada. See the eBird checklist at: https://ebird.org/canada/view/checklist/S60624510

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons Sounds provided by Erokia/Jordan Powell from https://freesound.org/

Lindsay Tract

Rob Porter — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 07:40:00 -0400

The search for an elusive Black-throated Blue Warbler, discovery of a surprise warbler in the parking lot.

Recorded on July 17, 2019 near Lion's Head, Ontario, Canada. To see the eBird checklist, visit: https://ebird.org/canada/view/checklist/S60656299

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/

The Juniper Flats, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 07:41:00 -0400

Warblers abound on the journey to the Juniper Flats of Dyer's Bay.

Recorded on July 18, 2019 near Dyer's Bay, Ontario, Canada. eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/canada/checklist/S60656594

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley. With additional Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell.

Spooky Songbirding Halloween Special

Rob Porter — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 18:24:00 -0400

An autumnal owling adventure in the twilight hour.

Common Raven recorded on January 21, 2018 in Cootes Paradise Sanctuary, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Owling session recorded on October 9, 2019 in Dundas, Ontario, Canada.

Referenced article on audio playback (or whistling!) in birding: https://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/04/the-proper-use-of-playback-in-birding/

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Creepy Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley.

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

The Juniper Flats, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0400

A sunbathing surprise, and an Eastern Towhee with a curious accent.

Recorded on July 18, 2019 near Dyer's Bay, Ontario, Canada.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley.

The Juniper Flats, Part 3

Rob Porter — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 04:00:00 -0500

(Conclusion) Ovenbirds, microclimates, and birding on the escarpment edge.

Recorded on July 18, 2019 near Dyer's Bay, Ontario, Canada.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons Sounds provided by Erokia/Jordan Powell from https://freesound.org/

Discussion: Bad Weather Birding

Rob Porter — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 06:00:00 -0500

How do you go birding in bad weather? A short discussion on the topic, plus a bit of news about the Songbirding podcast.

Backroads of the Ferndale Flats

Rob Porter — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 04:00:00 -0500

Dusty country road birding, Savannah Sparrows, and the search for singing Bobolinks resumes.

Recorded on July 18, 2019 near Ferndale, Ontario, Canada.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Creative Commons music by Keinzweiter.

MTB Adventure Park, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 04:00:00 -0500

A new birding spot nets vireos, warblers, thrushes, and finches. (Part 1 of 4)

Recorded on July 19, 2019 near Wiarton, Ontario, Canada.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons Sounds provided by Erokia/Jordan Powell from https://freesound.org/

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Songscapes: The "Sore Throated" Vireo

Rob Porter — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 04:00:00 -0500

(Bonus) This features the episode 'The "Sore-throated" Vireo' from season 1 of the podcast "Songscapes". The episode is a soundscape of birdsongs recorded in Cootes Paradise in Hamilton, Ontario on June 30, 2019, comprised predominantly of Yellow-throated Vireo song.

Subscribe to Songscapes if you enjoyed this episode!

Includes Creative Commons soundscape from the Hamilton Naturalists' Club.

The original episode notes from Songscapes follows:

The Yellow-throated Vireo shares much in common with its red-eyed cousins. Their song is only different in its harsh intonation, making it sound like a "sore-throated" rendition of the Red-eyed Vireo song. Found in wet forest habitats, it sometimes overlaps with Red-eyed Vireos, making them difficult to separate to the untrained ear.

This soundscape features two different Yellow-throated Vireos, both on breeding territory on the south share of Cootes Paradise along the Ravine Road Trail, bordering McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

In the final minutes of the soundscape, after 14m 30s, both Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireos are heard in contrast to one another.

Also heard: Carolina Wren, American Redstart, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow Warbler, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Red-tailed Hawk, and more!

Recorded on June 30, 2019.

Audio recording and editing by Rob Porter. Recorded on an iPhone 6S with an Edutige EIM-001 mic.

MTB Adventure Park, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 04:00:00 -0500

Deeper into the park trails, songful Winter Wrens and Blackburnian Warblers are heard.

Recorded on July 19, 2019 near Wiarton, Ontario, Canada.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons Sounds provided by Erokia/Jordan Powell from https://freesound.org/

MTB Adventure Park, Part 3

Rob Porter — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 04:00:00 -0500

Two mystery species prompt a discussion on good documentation for bird identification. (Part 3 of 4)

Recorded on July 19, 2019 near Wiarton, Ontario, Canada.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons Sounds provided by Erokia/Jordan Powell from https://freesound.org/

MTB Adventure Park, Part 4

Rob Porter — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 04:00:00 -0500

On the way out, a patch of Brown Creepers and Black-and-white Warblers is discovered. (Part 4 of 4)

Recorded on July 19, 2019 near Wiarton, Ontario, Canada.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons Sounds provided by Erokia/Jordan Powell from https://freesound.org/

The Forty Hills Road

Rob Porter — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 04:00:00 -0500

A long winding gravel road through forest and swamp.

Recorded near Lion's Head, Ontario, Canada on July 19, 2019.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Creative Commons music by StrangerEight.

2019-20 Christmas Bird Count Special, Part 1

Rob Porter — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 04:00:00 -0500

Black-capped Chickadees and Snow Buntings abound in the Hanover-Walkerton Christmas Bird Count (part 1 of 2).

Learn more about the Christmas Bird Count at https://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/cbc/

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons music provided by Kat Claire – https://freesound.org/people/googlekatclaire/

2019-20 Christmas Bird Count Special, Part 2

Rob Porter — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Winter songbirds are featured both on the Bruce Peninsula, and around Hamilton, Ontario.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons music provided by Kat Claire – https://freesound.org/people/googlekatclaire/

Swan Lake Lane, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 04:00:00 -0500

No swans here, the "lake" is really more of a wetland, but the birds are plentiful.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell – https://freesound.org/people/Erokia/

Swan Lake Lane, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 04:00:00 -0500

A surprise song chorus of Eastern Coyote leads the return walk, including Chipping Sparrows, Indigo Bunting, and some rural Rock Pigeons.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell – https://freesound.org/people/Erokia/

Alvar Bay, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 03:00:00 -0500

Summer songs of Winter Wrens, Swainson's Thrush, American Redstarts and more are found at this nature reserve on the northwest end of the peninsula.

Learn more about the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy at https://escarpment.ca/

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell – https://freesound.org/people/Erokia/

Alvar Bay, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 04:00:00 -0500

American Redstart, Myrtle Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, and more are found in the Alvar Bay proper.

Learn more about the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy at https://escarpment.ca/

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell – https://freesound.org/people/Erokia/

Alvar Bay, Part 3

Rob Porter — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 04:00:00 -0500

More warblers, wren, thrushes and some other unexpected creatures on the walk back.

Learn more about the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy at https://escarpment.ca/

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell – https://freesound.org/people/Erokia/

Beginner Birder Tips: Equipment, Learning, Styles of Birding

Rob Porter — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Some tips for starting out when birding. Includes discussion on binoculars, cameras, apps, where to find birds locally, how to learn bird identification effectively, and more.

Birding Out and About

Rob Porter — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 04:00:00 -0500

A mix of birding locations around the Bruce Peninsula are explored.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell – https://freesound.org/people/Erokia/

St. Jean Point in Soundscape

Rob Porter — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 04:00:00 -0500

A soundscape captured at St Jean Point Nature Reserve.

Featured: Northern Waterthrush, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler, American Redstart, Red-winged Blackbird, Song Sparrow, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, Northern Flicker.

A clip of each species identified can be viewed on this eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64338267

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell – https://freesound.org/people/Erokia/

Barrow Bay, Part 1

Rob Porter — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Hermit Thrush and various warblers are found in this unique rocky forest along the Niagara Escarpment.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell – https://freesound.org/people/Erokia/

Barrow Bay, Part 2

Rob Porter — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Dark-eyed Juncos, Black-throated Blue Warblers, and more are found along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment over Barrow Bay.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell – https://freesound.org/people/Erokia/

Barrow Bay, Part 3

Rob Porter — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Season Finale.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/ Creative Commons sounds by Jordan Powell – https://freesound.org/people/Erokia/

Birdsong Identification Quiz (Season 1)

Rob Porter — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Put your birdsong ID skills to the test, with this selection of clips from Season 1 of Songbirding. Scroll down for the quiz answer key.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Creative Commons music by Alexander Nakarada.

==QUIZ ANSWERS BELOW= =

Indigo Bunting, Red-eyed Vireo
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler, (American Redstart background)
Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush
Purple Finch
Blackburnian Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo
Blackburnian Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo (Pine Warbler near end)
Common Yellowthroat
Black-throated Blue Warbler, Hermit Thrush
Red-winged Blackbird
Black-throated Green Warbler
American Redstart
Gray Catbird (Mourning Dove & Common Yellowthroat in background)
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Ovenbird
Black-throated Green Warbler, Winter Wren
Nashville Warbler
Dark-eyed Junco

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

A Ping-Pong Song: Field Sparrows

Rob Porter — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0500

A birding hike through the tallgrass prairie of McMaster Forest in Hamilton, Ontario, featuring Field Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, and Wood Thrush.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Music from https://filmmusic.io "Slow Burn" and "I Feel You" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Scarlet Tanager, a.k.a. the Sore-throated Robin

Rob Porter — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Going deeper into the old growth section of McMaster Forest reveals Scarlet Tanagers, Blue-winged Warblers, Wood Thrush, Red-eyed Vireos, Indigo Bunting and more.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Music from https://filmmusic.io "Slow Burn" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

So Similar Sounding: Savannah, Song Sparrow

Rob Porter — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0400

A birding walk through Johnson Tew Park in Greensville, including Song and Savannah Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, and an elusive Orchard Oriole.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Music from https://filmmusic.io "Almost Bliss" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Gnatcatcher vs. Redstart

Rob Porter — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, American Redstarts, Warbling Vireos, and more are found within Princess Point Park in Hamilton, Ontario.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Music from https://filmmusic.io "Desperation" by Alexander Nakarada (https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

The Black-billed Cuckoo Funeral March

Rob Porter — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0400

At the Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve, Common Yellowthroats, Field Sparrows, and two species of cuckoo are found.

For those with High Frequency Hearing Loss (HFHL), you may alternatively download "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Creative Commons music by Kevin McLeod.

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

The Wrath of a House Wren Scorned

Rob Porter — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0400

The sounds of a lazy August afternoon hike: green frogs, Red-winged Blackbirds, House Wren, Barn Swallows, and more.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Music from https://filmmusic.io "Jack the Lumberer" by Alexander Nakarada (https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Grand Ole Osprey

Rob Porter — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Riparian and urban habitats are explored along the Grand River in Waterloo, Ontario. Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Blue Jay, and many more species are featured.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Music from https://filmmusic.io "Circuits" by Alexander Nakarada (https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Cicayda, Cicahda

Rob Porter — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Red-eyed Vireos, Blue Jays, Eastern Wood-Pewees, and a whole lot of cicadas are found along Caleb's Walk and the Ravine Road trails in Cootes Paradise.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Creative Commons music from Scott Buckley. Creative Commons sounds from the Hamilton Naturalists' Club.

Drink Your Tea, Eastern Towhee

Rob Porter — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0400

A brief hike in Westover, Ontario where the Eastern Towhee and Field Sparrow are encountered. Also, a brief recording of Eastern Towhee in the Dundas Valley.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Music from https://filmmusic.io "Parhelion" by Alexander Nakarada (https://www.serpentsoundstudios.com/) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Songs in the Swamp

Rob Porter — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0400

As August advances, birdsong becomes more sparse. A walk along the Dofasco Trail then to the Vinemount Swamp shows a great diversity of species, just with a bit less acoustic enthusiasm.

For those with High Frequency Hearing Loss (HFHL), you may alternatively download "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Music from https://filmmusic.io "Revival" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Fall Migration (it really does start in August...)

Rob Porter — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Season Finale. Season 3 coming soon! It may only be the end of August, but what is generally referred to as the fall migration has started in earnest.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Music from https://filmmusic.io "Revival" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The Mockingbirds of Bayfront Park

Rob Porter — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Spring is coming, and the Northern Mockingbirds of Bayfront Park in Hamilton, Ontario are getting ready.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Signs of Spring

Rob Porter — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Songs of the Red-winged Blackbird flocks is one of our local signs of spring. Along the Spencer Creek this species, Canada Goose, Black-capped Chickadee, Song Sparrow, and Carolina Wren are abundant and singing.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Lek-side with the American Woodcock

Rob Porter — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0400

PEENT! The ridiculous territorial calls and displays of the American Woodcock are featured in this evening out in mid-March.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Eastern Meadowlark Melodies

Rob Porter — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0400

The meadows are full of melodies -- the songs of the Eastern Meadowlark. At the Vinemount Meadows Nature Sanctuary this species, Common Raven, Song Sparrow, and Red-winged Blackbirds are featured.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Morning Meadow Songs

Rob Porter — Mon, 04 May 2020 04:00:00 -0400

The meadows are again full of melodies -- this time a mix of Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Tree Swallow, Eastern Towhee, and more.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Evening Meadow Sounds

Rob Porter — Thu, 07 May 2020 04:00:00 -0400

An evening walk through captures the sounds of nature winding down. Chorus Frogs, Eastern Meadowlark, American Robin, and flocks of Ring-billed Gulls are featured.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Backyard Birdsongs

Rob Porter — Mon, 11 May 2020 04:00:00 -0400

The backyard in spring can be full of birdsong.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Rusty Blackbirds

Rob Porter — Mon, 18 May 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Spring migration is the best time to see and listen to Rusty Blackbirds outside of their breeding range.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Sapsuckers & Chorus Frogs

Rob Porter — Mon, 25 May 2020 04:00:00 -0400

In Hamilton, the best times to see an hear Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers is a brief window of time in both spring an autumn. Their spring visits also overlap with the emergence of chorus frogs...

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

A Slyness of Fox Sparrows

Rob Porter — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0400

The Fox Sparrow spends only a little while passing through the Great Lakes region during spring migration, so time is of the essence to record this whistling little bird's song.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Songbirds of Hamilton 1: Beverly Swamp CA Virtual Field Event

Rob Porter — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0400

(Bonus) In lieu of an in person field event I was scheduled to lead around Hamilton, Ontario in June 2020, here's a short virtual tour of one of the locations.

Ruby-crowned Kinglets

Rob Porter — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Ruby-crowned Kinglets are a tiny, fast bird that is often only captured as a blur on any given birder's camera. Here its song has been captured, while migrating through Burlington, Ontario along the shore of Hamilton Harbour.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Songbirds of Hamilton 2: McMaster Forest Virtual Field Event

Rob Porter — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0400

(Bonus) In lieu of an in person field event I was scheduled to lead around Hamilton, Ontario in June 2020, here's a short virtual tour of one of the locations, McMaster Forest on Lower Lion's Club Road.

First Warblers

Rob Porter — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0400

It's the first of May, and the first warblers are beginning to pass through for spring migration. The early days of warbler migration are a good chance to do some easier birding-by-ear before the more overwhelming parts of warbler migration arrive...

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Overnight Arrivals

Rob Porter — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0400

In migration season, a park's bird population can change dramatically overnight.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Waterdown Wetlands

Rob Porter — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0400

House Wren, Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, Pine Warblers, Northern Parula, Blue-headed Vireos and more have flooded into the Waterdown Wetlands in this first migration wave of May.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Songbirding in the Rain

Rob Porter — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0400

A near two-week pause on seasonable weather has lead to a heavily backlogged spring migration. The first day of moderate temperatures brought with it rain, but also Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Veeries, and various warblers.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Soundscape Bonus: Song of the Mourning Warbler

Rob Porter — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0400

More Season 3 episodes coming soon. In the meantime, here's a soundscape of a Mourning Warbler, and a few other species, recorded on June 6, 2020 at the Robertson Tract in Halton Region, Ontario.

Fallout

Rob Porter — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Due to some unusual weather events this year, there were a couple occasions for a "fallout" event locally at the Fifty Point Conservation Area.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Learning Birding During COVID-19

Rob Porter — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0400

A review of resources for new birders, especially during COVID-19, with a teaser bonus at the end. Also, please note the podcast will be bi-weekly for a bit until things are less busy.

Sundry Songs

Rob Porter — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Exploring the Fifty Point Conservation Area more thoroughly bring sundry songs of Baltimore Orioles, Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, Chipping Sparrows, and more.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Killdeer! Killdeer!

Rob Porter — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0400

The Killdeer is one of the most vocal bird species in North America. It may not technically be a songbird, but it will not go anywhere unheard.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Support

You can now support Songbirding at https://patreon.com/songbirding

In Conversation: #Hike4Birds

Rob Porter — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0400

A hike & conversation with Sonya Richmond and Sean Morton about #Hike4Birds, their cross-Canada journey. Read more about them at http://comewalkwithus.online

Credits

Recorded, edited, and created by Rob Porter.

Special guests: Sonya Richmond, Sean Morton

Creative Commons music by Assai.

Support

You can now support Songbirding at https://patreon.com/songbirding

Cape May Warblers

Rob Porter — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0400

The Cape May Warbler is a species those of us in southern Ontario get to hear singing once a year, during spring migration.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Fall Migration at Petrel Point

Rob Porter — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0400

The autumn migration is not a great time for hearing full birdsongs, but birding-by-ear is still possible, and useful to help you find all kinds of migrant species.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley - https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding or on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/songbirding

Woodland Cemetery, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0400

A morning of rich spring birdsong, this time at the Woodland Cemetery in Burlington, Ontario. Part 1 of 2.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

PRRP Goes Songbirding (International Podcast Month Episode 1)

Rob Porter — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Special episode for International Podcast Month. Kenneth Eckle, host of PRRP, goes birding.

About PRRP aka Podcast Reviews Reviews Podcast: On this podcast, I review the reviews of this podcast. Multi-award-winning.

More info: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/prrp-podcast-reviews-reviews-p-766873

How To: Recording Nature Sounds (International Podcast Month Episode 2)

Rob Porter — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0400

(For International Podcast Month) What are the challenges of recording a podcast in natural spaces? Join "Songbirding" host Rob Porter on a hike while he talks about hazards to good quality field recordings, tips and tricks for both recordists and audio documentarians for recording birdsong and other natural phenomena, and much more.

Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Creative Commons Music by Scott Buckley – https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/

Woodland Cemetery, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0400

A morning of rich spring birdsong, this time at the Woodland Cemetery in Burlington, Ontario. Part 2 of 2.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Black-and-white Warblers

Rob Porter — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0400

Huge swarms of insects might send some birders running away, but insects make great food for many warblers, like the Black-and-white Warbler.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

The Owl-o-ween Special

Rob Porter — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0400

🎃🦉🦉🎃 A dusk walk amongst some Great Horned Owls.. and some other creatures of the night!

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley - https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

South Shore of Cootes Paradise

Rob Porter — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 04:00:00 -0500

In between the cities of Hamilton and Burlington lies the urban nature sanctuary of Cootes Paradise, a haven for both breeding and migrating bird species.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

Tennessee Warblers

Rob Porter — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 04:00:00 -0500

There's a short window of a couple weeks per year when one can hear the song of the Tennessee Warbler in Southern Ontario, and on this May morning at Fifty Point Conservation Area there were no shortage of these high-pitched songsters.

For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Long Point

Rob Porter — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 04:00:00 -0500

There are a number of migration hotspots along the north shore of Lake Erie in Ontario. One of those is Long Point Provincial Park.

In this unprecedented year, nearly all of these locations were closed for the vast majority of migration season.

However, the provincial parks began to open just at the very end of migration, giving one last opportunity to observe hundreds to thousands of migrating birds pass through on their journey north.

Normally, Long Point would be packed with birders, but on this day in this spring of solitude I could count on one hand the number of visitors to this important migration flyway.

Thank you for listening to this third season of Songbirding! A new season of episodes will start soon, in the new year, which will focus on bird species recorded on their breeding territories.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel - https://www.kai-engel.com/

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

A Winter Finch Special

Rob Porter — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 04:00:00 -0500

The winter of 2020-2021 is gearing up to be an important season for winter finches. In this special, the sounds of the various kinds of winter finches are reviewed.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley - https://www.scottbuckley.com.au

First Birds of 2021

Rob Porter — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

It's a new year, which means the start of a new "year list".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley: https://www.scottbuckley.com.au

Join the patreon on https://patreon.com/songbirding

This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-da20d0 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast.

The Huron Fringe

Rob Porter — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

It's late May and I'm out looking for birds along the Huron Fringe -- an area on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes of North America.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Canada Warbler

Rob Porter — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

The Canada Warbler is a colourful, energetic little bird that spends only a few weeks on its territory. It is one of the last warblers to arrive, and one of the first to leave.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Sparrows of the Prairie

Rob Porter — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Its buzz may not seem very songful, but the Clay-coloured Sparrow is a songbird. This prairie species has been expanding its range eastward in recent decades, and currently stands as a rather uncommon breeding bird in Ontario.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

The Halton Forest

Rob Porter — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

There are very few large, continuous forests in southern Ontario. The Halton Regional Forest is one of those few, over 1700 acres of reserved tracts that provide rich, varied habitats for many songbird species.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Hooded Warblers

Rob Porter — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Continuing the walk through the Halton Forest leads to Brown Creepers, Red-eyed Vireos, and more Hooded Warblers.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley: https://www.scottbuckley.com.au

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Backus Woods

Rob Porter — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

In south-western Ontario's Norfolk County lies an incredible natural oasis known as Backus Woods.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Variations on a Black-throated Blue Warbler

Rob Porter — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

At Allan Park Conservation Area, a curious Black-throated Blue Warbler is found.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music "Familiar Lands" by Caden - https://www.jamendo.com/track/1520997/familiar-lands

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Spooky Hollow

Rob Porter — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

South of the town of Simcoe, Ontario within the Norfolk Sand Plain is the Spooky Hollow Nature Sanctuary; a mature Carolinian hardwood forest acquired by the Hamilton Naturalists' Club in 1961.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Discord Chat

Songbirding has a channel on the Cast Junkie Discord server, use the following invite link to join: https://discord.gg/MHcPrhc

There's also a patron-only private server, which you can get access to via Patreon.

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

One week later...

Rob Porter — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

A return to Spooky Hollow demonstrates how different a space can sound on another day, even only a week later.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Veery

Rob Porter — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

During one last trip through Spooky Hollow, the descending tones of the Veery are heard amongst the diverse species of birds present here.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Discord Chat

Songbirding has a channel on the Cast Junkie Discord server, use the following invite link to join: https://discord.gg/MHcPrhc

There's also a patron-only private server, which you can get access to via Patreon.

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

A May Snow

Rob Porter — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Snow in May is fairly rare; several days of it even more so! In spite of it all, the birds still sing...

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Discord Chat

Songbirding has a channel on the Cast Junkie Discord server, use the following invite link to join: https://discord.gg/MHcPrhc

There's also a patron-only private server, which you can get access to via Patreon.

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Dawn Chorus Special, Part 1

Rob Porter — Sat, 08 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

This soundscape contains the following species:

Blue Jay, American Robin, European Starling, Carolina Wren, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bald Eagle (!), Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Swamp Sparrow

Listeners with high-frequency hearing loss can find a modified version by searching for "Songbirding Under 5KHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, and created by Rob Porter.

This episode was produced with the support of the High Park Nature Centre: https://highparknaturecentre.com/

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Discord Chat

Songbirding has a channel on the Cast Junkie Discord server, use the following invite link to join: https://discord.gg/MHcPrhc

There's also a patron-only private server, which you can get access to via Patreon.

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

The Beverly Swamp, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

The Beverly Swamp is a 57 hundred acre wetland that is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including many that are rare to the region.

Listeners with high-frequency hearing loss can find a modified version by searching for "Songbirding Under 5KHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Discord Chat

Songbirding has a channel on the Cast Junkie Discord server, use the following invite link to join: https://discord.gg/MHcPrhc

There's also a patron-only private server, which you can get access to via Patreon.

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Dawn Chorus Special, Part 2

Rob Porter — Fri, 21 May 2021 20:59:25 -0400

Part two of the 7th Annual Dawn Chorus event, hosted by Toronto’s High Park Nature Centre.

The Beverly Swamp, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 24 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Continuing along the Lafarge Trail, Veeries, Black-and-white Warblers, and more are found.

Listeners with high-frequency hearing loss can find a modified version by searching for "Songbirding Under 5KHz".

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kai Engel: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kai_Engel

Discord Chat

Songbirding has a channel on the Cast Junkie Discord server, use the following invite link to join: https://discord.gg/MHcPrhc

There's also a patron-only private server, which you can get access to via Patreon.

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Bobolinks

Rob Porter — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

The Bobolink has a unique song...

Listeners with high-frequency hearing loss can find a modified version by searching for "Songbirding Under 5KHz".

The Casual Birder Podcast

Congrats to Suzy on 100 episodes of the Casual Birder Podcast! Visit https://casualbirder.com/ to find out more.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Firefl!es: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD0-KV3SoGI

Discord Chat

Songbirding has a channel on the Cast Junkie Discord server, use the following invite link to join: https://discord.gg/MHcPrhc

There's also a patron-only private server, which you can get access to via Patreon.

Support

You can support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/songbirding

Blue-winged Warbler

Rob Porter — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Beeeee-buzzzzz. That's what the "respiratory" song of the Blue-winged Warbler sounds like.

The Casual Birder Podcast

I'd like to congratulate to Suzy on 100 episodes of the Casual Birder Podcast! Visit https://casualbirder.com/ to find out more.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili - https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com/

House Wren

Rob Porter — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

These small brown birds have a big warbling song!

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Caden.

Meister Tract

Rob Porter — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Pine Warblers abound at this small conservation reserve near Cambridge, Ontario.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Caden.

Robertson Tract

Rob Porter — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Returning to the Halton Forest, a mix of warblers and a curious marsh bird are found.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili - https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com/

Nassagaweya-Esquesing Townline, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

It's an unusual trail: an old road running between two operating quarries, but it is loaded with interesting birdsongs.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili - https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com/

Nassagaweya-Esquesing Townline, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Transitioning from quarry to forest, Yellow-throated Vireos, American Redstarts, a Blue-winged Warbler and more are found.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili - https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com/

Nassagaweya-Esquesing Townline, Part 3

Rob Porter — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

In the return walk, American Kestrel, Hooded Warbler, and more are encountered.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili - https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com/

Autumn Migration Special

Rob Porter — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 20:00:00 -0400

While there may not be a lot of song, birds make plenty of identifiable sounds in the autumn.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley - https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/

Short Walks, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 11:46:34 -0400

Blue Jays and warblers abound at Alvar Bay Nature Preserve, in the Bruce Peninsula; and orioles, cuckoos, warblers, vireos and more fill the soundscape with songs at Beverly Swamp Conservation Area in Flamborough, Ontario.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley - https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/

Short Walks, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Baltimore Orioles and Northern Flickers around Fifty Point Conservation area in Grimsby, Ontario, and Hooded Warblers and Acadian Flycatchers at the Fischer Tract in Norfolk County, Ontario.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili - https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com/

Short Walks, Part 3

Rob Porter — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

(conclusion) Three short walks that explore Vinemount Swamp & Vinemount Meadows in Saltfleet Twp east of Hamilton, and Crane Lake in the Bruce Peninsula National Park.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley - https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/

Chorus of the Night

Rob Porter — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 19:00:00 -0400

Common True Katydids, Chorus Frogs, grasshoppers, crickets, and Eastern Screech-Owls are featured in this Hallowe'en Special.

Article: "The Proper Use of Playback in Birding" - https://www.sibleyguides.com/2011/04/the-proper-use-of-playback-in-birding/

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley - https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/

In the Barn

Rob Porter — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Barn Swallows, House Sparrows, and domestic fowl have some very different sounding territories. This unique episode is a soundscape of a barn in Carluke, Ontario.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Special thanks to Wayne Terryberry for use of his barn.

A Flurry of Snow Buntings

Rob Porter — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

From late October through March, Snow Buntings follow the snowfall south. In this recording, a flock of a few hundred in Haldimand County, Ontario is featured.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<< https://freemusicarchive.org/music/REW_1123

A Loudness of Trumpeter Swans

Rob Porter — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 14:57:31 -0500

Every winter, the Trumpeter Swans return to their "territory" at LaSalle Park in Burlington, Ontario.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kevin McLeod

Early Spring Songs

Rob Porter — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Today we visit Cootes Paradise in mid-March, and hear Red-winged Blackbirds, in addition to a number of other species.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<< https://freemusicarchive.org/music/REW_1123

Serenades: American Redstart

Rob Porter — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

For the holidays I'm releasing a sample episode of Songbirding Serenades, normally a Patreon exclusive. Enjoy!

The American Redstart is a cheery, friendly warbler that vocalizes in a lot of different ways.

It can be hard to nail down this song as it varies so much, but generally it is always a short song, and tends to end abruptly or with an accent. It is a fairly persistent singer though, as you will hear -- and the pause between each song is usually only a few seconds long.

A few times in these following soundscapes it may even sound like the redstart is mimicking other warbler species. But, do be aware, some of these recordings actually do contain other species.

For feedback you can contact me through Patreon, Discord, or email songbirdingpod@gmail.com. Each episode is a paid subscriber exclusive. If and when I get more soundscape recordings of a species, I will go back and add the new content to the existing episode, so a given episode may grow in length over time.

2021-22 Christmas Bird Count Special

Rob Porter — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 09:00:24 -0500

Recorded on December 30, 2021 during the 1st Flamborough Christmas Bird Count, at Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve in Puslinch, Ontario.

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Scott Buckley - https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/

Birding in Chest Waders

Rob Porter — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 09:27:29 -0500

Some songbird territories are a bit more difficult to access...

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Maarten Schellekens https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens

Song Sparrow

Rob Porter — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 19:55:16 -0500

A return back to Hayesland Sanctuary, where a couple Song Sparrows are vying for territory.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Maarten Schellekens https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens

White-throated Sparrow

Rob Porter — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 15:35:03 -0500

A summer's day at Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve in Flamborough, Ontario.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<< https://freemusicarchive.org/music/REW_1123

Cerulean Warbler

Rob Porter — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 04:00:00 -0500

Today I’m in the Dundas Valley, just below the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton Ontario, one of the largest remaining Carolinian Forests in the region.

In addition to the Cerulean Warbler, we’ll be listening for Indigo Bunting, Wood Thrush, American Redstart, and more.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Maarten Schellekens https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens

An Evening With Chorus Frogs

Rob Porter — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 20:00:00 -0500

Frogs are also known to establish territory using calls and songs. Tonight we'll be taking dusk spring walk through the Vinemount Swamp, and will hear thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of chorus frogs.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Maarten Schellekens https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens

Spring Awakenings

Rob Porter — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 09:24:01 -0400

Frogs are also known to establish territory using calls and songs. This morning we'll be taking a walk through the Beverly Swamp, listening for spring arrivals, and emerged frog species.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Maarten Schellekens https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens

Merlin App Sound ID Special

Rob Porter — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 10:15:08 -0400

For this episode we'll be testing out the Merlin app to see how it fares against birding by ear.

More about Merlin: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Ethereal Guitars by Alexander Nakarada Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8306-ethereal-guitars License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Rain Chorus at Valens Lake

Rob Porter — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 09:38:00 -0400

After a heavy rain, many bird species will sing to re-establish territory as if it's a new day.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Maarten Schellekens https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens

Valens Lake in June

Rob Porter — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0400

In June of 2021 I returned to Valens Lake, during the height of breeding season.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Maarten Schellekens https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens

Dawn Chorus in Cootes Paradise

Rob Porter — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 06:32:00 -0400

At sunrise in Cootes Paradise, the dawn chorus can overwhelm all the sounds of the city.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Maarten Schellekens https://freemusicarchive.org/music/maarten-schellekens

Evensong

Rob Porter — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

At sunset in some locations, an auditory compliment to the dawn chorus occurs.

Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey

Credits

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnian Warbler) by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Kristina Budzhiashvili: https://kristinabudzhiashvili.bandcamp.com

Livestream Special from twitch.tv/songbirder

Rob Porter — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 23:10:11 -0400

Some sample recordings from an in-the-field livestream this past April.

See https://songbirding.com/live for more info, or if you're already a Twitch user, go to https://twitch.tv/songbirder to follow!

Solstice in the Quietude, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 02 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

It's late afternoon during the summer solstice of 2021, a time of the day when the birds are singing at a slower, more relaxed pace in the quiet soundscape of the Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario, Canada.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music was provided by Punch Deck: https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck

Solstice in the Quietude, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 16 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

At the end of the day, we listen to the last songs of the summer solstice of 2021 in Johnston Harbour, Ontario.

Additional recommended listening: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/songscapes-835352/episodes/whip-poor-will-39174454

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music was provided by Punch Deck: https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck

The Wind & the Warblers

Rob Porter — Mon, 30 May 2022 09:59:23 -0400

It’s one day later, and after a big wind storm in the morning, I’m out visiting a rarely visited nature sanctuary adjacent to the National Park. We’ll be listening to the Blackburnian Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, and these Blue-headed Vireos.

Additional recommended listening: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/songbirding-915659/episodes/robertson-tract-96082634

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music was provided by Punch Deck: https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck

Red-eyed Vireo Chorus

Rob Porter — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Early morning in my campsite, I hit record as the birds wake (me) up.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Jack Pine Alvar, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

The lands surrounding Johnson Harbour are primarily alvar: rocky ground, with very little soil. Many sections contain a lot of Jack Pine as well, making this a new habitat type to explore.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music was provided by Punch Deck: https://soundcloud.com/punch-deck

Jack Pine Alvar, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

As we continue through the Jack Pine alvar, Swainson's Thrush present us with their spiralling, flute-like tones.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music was provided by Scott Buckley: https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/

Jack Pine Alvar, Part 3

Rob Porter — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 21:26:50 -0400

On the return hike, we encounter both Winter Wren and Nashville Warblers.

Youtube Video of the Nashville Warbler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIOct1CSwbk

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music was provided by Scott Buckley: https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/

Season 5 Birdsong Soundscapes & Quiz #1

Rob Porter — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 01:04:23 -0400

In this season of Songbirding, we’ve heard a number of species, some multiple times.

Long ago I did some end-of-season birdsong identification quizzes, and I wanted to do that again, but in a smaller scale.

In this episode you’ll hear a few minutes recordings of a prominent species — sometimes two — followed by an identification of the species, before the next recording plays. These are all species that have been featured on episodes 1 through 7.

I hope that this can help you learn a new song or two, or, if birdsong identification isn’t your thing, you can still just listen to the birds sing.

Pine Tree Point North, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

It’s a warm afternoon in early summer, and I’ve returned to the north end of the Pine Tree Point reserve.

My plan is to hike in as far as I feel comfortable with, to get to know what habitats can be found along the main trail.

Credits

This episode was sponsored by "Ontario Wildlife Photography", by Noah Cole, which can be found at Indigo-Chapters, Amazon and retail to brick and mortar bookstores in Ontario.

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music was provided by Scott Buckley: https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/

Pine Tree Point North, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

I’m continuing my hike along the main trail in the north section of Pine Tree Point, and retrieving some of my bioacoustic equipment along the way.

The weather remains calm, warn and sunny, making it a great opportunity to record singing warblers.

Credits

This episode was sponsored by "Ontario Wildlife Photography", by Noah Cole, which can be found at Indigo-Chapters, Amazon and retail to brick and mortar bookstores in Ontario.

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music was provided by Scott Buckley: https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/

Pine Tree Point North, Part 3

Rob Porter — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 09:19:10 -0400

I’ve reached about as far as I’d like to travel today at Pine Tree Point, so I’m stopping and listening to Swainson’s Thrushes, Myrtle Warblers, and other songs around me, before turning around and returning to the trailhead.

Credits

This episode was sponsored by "Ontario Wildlife Photography", by Noah Cole, which can be found at Indigo-Chapters, Amazon and retail to brick and mortar bookstores in Ontario.

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music was provided by Scott Buckley: https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/

Scugog Lake

Rob Porter — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

It’s the last night before I leave, and I’m hiking along Scuggog Lake near Johnston Harbour to retrieve my bioacoustic recorders.

I’ve come across a flock of cackling Red-breasted Mergansers, but at the time I wasn’t sure of the identity of the species by the sound alone.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Two Short Hikes

Rob Porter — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

It’s the last evening before I head back home, and I won’t be back again until late August.

After this evening with the Brown Creepers, I’ll have another hike in the morning at a new location, as I’ve noticed there was a trailhead I had missed on the main road I’d like to scout out for next year’s return trip.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Notes and Key for "Nocturnal Nature" Special

Rob Porter — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 00:15:00 -0400

This is the notes and sound keys for the Nocturnal Nature soundscape special episode.

Nocturnal Nature

Rob Porter — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 00:15:00 -0400

Each year I attempt to put together a new episode for the Halloween season, but as you might be aware, finding owls is in itself a time consuming effort, let alone recording sounds of them.

While I didn’t succeed in capturing much this year, I did think of what I think should be a fun fill-in. This episode will be entirely soundscapes of birds, insects, frogs, and coyotes singing in the night. It will be a standalone episode, in case you’d like to play it on a loop for a haunted house, or whatever purpose you might have in mind.

This will be on both the Songbirding and Songscapes podcast feeds.

Species include: Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Whippoorwill, Eastern Coyote, Common True Katydid, Chorus Frog, and more.

Locations of recording were throughout southern Ontario, and in Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania.

Moulting & Migration Season

Rob Porter — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

It’s late August of 2021 and I’ve returned to Johnston Harbour to explore a bit more.

This time of year will be much quieter, as the birds are focused on moulting their feathers, and migrating south.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Birds of the Night

Rob Porter — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

It's May of 2022 and I'm back in Johnston Harbour, but I’ve arrived a bit late to record birds during the day, making this the perfect opportunity to focus on recording birds of the night.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by Maarten Schellekens.

A May Morning Hike, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:01:14 -0500

It's mid-May and I've returned to Johnston Harbour, at the old hunting camp. For the next 4 episodes we'll be exploring this peaceful natural space, listening for warblers, thrushes, and many more songbird species.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

A May Morning Hike, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Continuing through the Bruce Peninsula National Park in an old hunt camp section, many Black-and-white Warblers are encountered.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

A May Morning Hike, Part 3

Rob Porter — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

In this third part of my May Morning hike, we’ll be focused on a Hermit Thrush and a Myrtle Warbler.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

A May Morning Hike, Part 4

Rob Porter — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:11:06 -0500

In this last part of my May Morning hike, we’ll encounter a variety of songs: Common Yellowthroats, Ovenbirds, Blue Jays and more.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

You can support the show at https://patreon.com/songbirding

Overnight Arrivals

Rob Porter — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 09:22:05 -0500

It’s early morning and I’m hiking along Scugog Lake near Johnston Harbour, looking for appropriate locations to leave bioacoustic recorders.

Many warblers and other songbird species have arrived overnight, making for a very lively soundscape.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

You can support the show at https://patreon.com/songbirding

A May Afternoon at Pine Tree Point North

Rob Porter — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

While the afternoon isn’t usually the peak of songbird activity, if a morning is rainy, foggy or in other ways unpleasant, a clear and sunny afternoon can be quite songful, especially during the early part of the breeding season.

Today we’ll be listening to Song Sparrows, Black-and-white Warblers, Grey Catbird, and more.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

More Winds, More Warblers

Rob Porter — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

It’s the last day for my short May excursion here, and it’s a windy day — not ideal for recording — but if one goes deep enough into the forest, the trees can keep the wind at bay.

We’ll be listening to Black-throated Green Warblers, American Redstart, Ovenbird, and more.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Season 5 Birdsong Soundscapes & Quiz #2

Rob Porter — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

So far in this season of Songbirding, we’ve heard quite a few species, some of them many times.

In this episode you’ll hear recordings of one or two songbird species, followed by an identification of the species, before the next recording plays. These are all species that have been heard since the previous quiz episode.

I hope that this can help you learn a new song or two. At the end, I’ll share a long form recording from one of the bioacoustic devices I retrieved in June of 2022 in Johnston Harbour.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Music: Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3787-funk-game-loop License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

A Quiet Evening With Birds

Rob Porter — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

It’s mid-June of 2022, almost a year since I first started recording in this part of the Bruce Peninsula National Park. I’m back at the old hunt camp on a quiet evening, retrieving bioacoustic recorders, and listening carefully at the last songs of the day.

The last songs of the day are amongst the softest and quietest one will hear, almost as if the birds are themselves are softly lulling those around them into sleep.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Overcast Morning, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

It’s the next morning at the old hunt camp and I’m doing a short walk to see if I can find any new species this time around.

It’s overcast, so the morning chorus is less enthusiastic as usual, but there are still quite a few songs to be heard.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Overcast Morning, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

I’m concluding my morning hike, and continuing to listen for more vocalizing songbird species. The day may have started out quiet, but the vireos and various warblers are about to get very songful.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

A June Afternoon at Pine Tree Point North, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

On these hikes I’m always surprised when I come back to the same trail, and find different things.

Today is no exception. For the next couple episodes I’ll be hiking the north side of the Pine Tree Point trail, the last time I’ll be doing so in 2022.

My goal is to retrieve a bioacoustic recorder I left here a month ago, and to hike as far south on this trail as I feel comfortable with doing so in rubber boots.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

A June Afternoon at Pine Tree Point North, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 14:46:45 -0400

In the second half of this hike I’ll be seeing how far I can get down this trail in the time I have alotted for myself. Partly so I can see some new things, and partly because I do plan on hiking from the south side of this trail northwards soon, and would like to know if I could possibly cover the entire trail this year.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Dawn Choruses From Around the World

Rob Porter — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 21:01:57 -0400

International Dawn Chorus Day is coming up on the May 7, 2023, and I thought I’d do a special episode for this. This time, rather than my own recordings, I’d like to share a number of recordings uploaded to freesound.org, a website dedicated to Creative Commons sound recordings. It has a number of high quality dawn chorus recordings available for free, and here’s just a few of them.

Recordings used, in order (all are Creative Commons):

https://freesound.org/people/SamsterBirdies/sounds/639985/

https://freesound.org/people/tim.kahn/sounds/184797/

https://freesound.org/people/LolitaPerdurabo/sounds/271182/

https://freesound.org/people/EinTon/sounds/443272/

https://freesound.org/people/kangaroovindaloo/sounds/209409/

https://freesound.org/people/jgrzinich/sounds/613128/

https://freesound.org/people/klankbeeld/sounds/569012/

https://freesound.org/people/roubignolle/sounds/34650/

https://freesound.org/people/Diegolar/sounds/454674/

This episode is released under a Creative Commons license. Since some of this content is already Creative Commons, but has non-commercial restrictions, this work as a whole will be placed under that more restricted license, but check each link above for individual licenses.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Road Allowance, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Today I’m trying a new trail - an unopened road allowance that follows the edge of the park property.

It starts as a road but quickly gets much more narrow, with small cedars and shrubs crowding the trail in. I know this heads to a wetland, so I’m hoping to come across some new songs on this warm June morning.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Road Allowance, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 29 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

We’re continuing along the road allowance that skirts the edge of the national park lands. Along the way we’ll hear some Black-and-white Warblers, Red-winged Blackbirds, Blue Jays, and more.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Scouting Pine Tree Harbour, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Now that I know how to enter the south side of the Pine Tree Point Nature Reserve, I’m making my way north from the cottage community of Pine Tree Habour.

It’s afternoon so the songs won’t be as dense, but we’ll be hearing from White-throated Sparrows, Myrtle Warblers, and more.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Scouting Pine Tree Harbour, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:53:15 -0400

During my time in Johnston Harbour and Pine Tree Point, I occaisionally will hear a kinglet sing. But so far I will either only hear the bird briefly, or at a distance.

That’s about to change though. I’m continuing the hike along the trail north of Pine Tree Harbour, about to come across a cedar swamp with a very different mix of bird species than I’ve been finding around this area.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Henhoeffer Park East, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

I return to Henhoeffer Park, except this time taking the east trail, about 1km away from the previous recording location.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Henhoeffer Park East, Part 2

Rob Porter — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 01:10:36 -0400

I’m continuing my hike through Henhoeffer Park’s East Trail, where a variety of eastern forest species such as Red-eyed Vireo, Ovenbird, and Pine Warbler have active territories.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Pine Tree Harbour Morning

Rob Porter — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The first part of a morning hike into the southern half of Pine Tree Point Nature Preserve, opening with a songful White-throated Sparrow.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Kinglet Junction

Rob Porter — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

I’m continuing my hike from Pine Tree Harbour towards the crossroads of trails I’m calling Kinglet Junction. A couple days ago I encountered both species of kinglet, and I hoping that can happen once again, as my experience with kinglets in their breeding territories is quite sparse.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Exploring Pine Tree Point

Rob Porter — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

I’m continuing to explore the trails that extend from the Kinglet Junction, to see what new habitats I might find. We’ll be hearing from American Redstarts, Nashville Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and more.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Return Hike

Rob Porter — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this final part of this hike, I’m returning back to the trailhead at Pine Tree Harbour. One might assume that it means we’ll hear the same things, but a Wood Thrush is showing me that there’s still new songs to hear along this trail.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons Music by REW<<.

A June Morning Hike

Rob Porter — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 20:51:35 -0400

It’s my last day at Johnston Harbour for 2022, and I’m doing an early morning hike - despite some overcast weather, the songs are both abundant and diverse.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

The Quiet Before

Rob Porter — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:44:49 -0400

It's mid-May of 2023, and I've returned to Johnston Harbour once again. It's even quieter than I expected, though.. at least, for now.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Migrations in the Quietude, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:04:30 -0400

It’s early morning on the 19th of May 2023, and while the dawn has brought some songs, it’s a relatively quiet day… so far.

But as we follow the Crane River to Scuggog Lake, migrant songbirds begin arriving.. continuously, for hours.

In these final episodes of this season of Songbirding, I aim to document the spectacle of this songful migration event.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<

Migrations in the Quietude, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

It’s been about an hour and I’m still exploring the short stretch between Crane River and Scuggog Lake — it seems the longer I’m here, the more migrant songbirds arrive.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<

Migrations in the Quietude, Part 3

Rob Porter — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 12:06:00 -0400

It’s been an hour and a half since I started listening and watching the migrant songbirds along Crane River, and the peak of activity has yet to arrive.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<.

Migrations in the Quietude, Part 4 (finale)

Rob Porter — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:40:51 -0400

After two hours along Crane River, the birdsongs are still very intense. In this final episode of the season, we’ll continue to listen to the migrant warblers and other songbird species, one last listen to the birds of Johnston Harbour.

Credits

Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music by REW<<

2023-24 Christmas Bird Count Special

Rob Porter — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0500

The Christmas Bird Count is a census of birds in the western hemisphere that is held between December 14 and January 5 each winter.

It was devised originally as an alternative to the 19th century tradition of hunting birds at Christmas, and has evolved to become the longest running citizen science project.

There are tens of thousands of participants - seeking out and counting tens of millions of birds each year.

2023 will be the 124th year of the Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t already participate in one, as of this episode’s release in November of 2023, you still have plenty of time to find and join a count local to you.

This episode was recorded while participating in the 102nd Hamilton Christmas Bird Count on December 26th, 2022.

Credits

Songbirding is a Songbirding Studios production, and was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is by Scott Buckley.

For more information about the Christmas Bird Count, see: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

The eBird checklist for the outing this episode was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S124632617

The Hermits of Allegheny (Hermit Thrush)

Rob Porter — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 23:30:00 -0500

It’s almost sunset and I’ve driven to the closest trailhead I see on the map near to where I am camping: a trail leading to Hector Falls, in the Tionesta Scenic Area.

More about Hermit Thrushes: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hermit_Thrush/overview

You can also listen to my Birdsong Serenades episode about Hermit Thrushes as a subscriber to the Songbirding Studios Patreon, or Apple Podcasts channel.

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115082556

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley, Kira Daly, Josh Woodward and Jason Shaw.

A Perfect July Morning (Hooded Warbler)

Rob Porter — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:47:40 -0500

It’s my first morning in Allegheny National Forest and the weather is clear and sunny — a perfect July day for recording birdsong.

I’ve parked at the same trailhead for Hector’s Falls as I did the evening before. This time I’m planning to make it all the way to the falls, and perhaps beyond.

More about Hooded Warbler: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hooded_Warbler

You can also listen to my Birdsong Serenades episode about Hooded Warblers as a subscriber to the Songbirding Studios Patreon, or Apple Podcasts channel.

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

A Sore Sounding Song (Scarlet Tanager)

Rob Porter — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

As the hike to Hector Falls continues, Scarlet Tanagers and many other songbird species are encountered.

More about Scarlet Tanager: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Scarlet_Tanager

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Hector Falls, Part 1 (Red-eyed Vireo)

Rob Porter — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

We’re approaching Hector’s Falls, and the habitat has changed a bit, with a stream alongside a winding single-track trail.

More about the Red-eyed Vireo: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-eyed_Vireo/overview

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Hector Falls, Part 2 (Blue-headed Vireo)

Rob Porter — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:05:06 -0500

I’ve made it to Hector’s Falls - it’s not a very tall waterfall but it is very compelling to look at. The water flows off of a rectangular-shaped rock face, forming a thin silk-sheet like stream of water.

Anywhere there is flowing water, there will be insects, and where there are insects to be fed on, there will be plenty of bird species.

More about the Blue-headed Vireo: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue-headed_Vireo/overview

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

The Hike Back, Part 1 (Black-throated Green Warbler)

Rob Porter — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:15:42 -0500

I’m beginning my hike back to the main road. One might expect this means we’ll hear the same birds, but that’s not always going to be the case.

Some species move around during the day, or might vocalize less or more often, or differently, at different times of the day.

We’ve not yet heard everything this trail has to offer today.

More about Black-throated Green Warblers: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Green_Warbler/overview

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

The Hike Back, Part 2 (Winter Wren)

Rob Porter — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Conclusion of the Hector Falls hike.

More about Winter Wren: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Winter_Wren/overview

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115100430

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Hector Falls Forestry Road, Part 1 (Black-throated Blue Warbler)

Rob Porter — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

I’ve been driving along the forest road near Hector’s Falls to find some new habitat niches, listening for more songs and sounds. After several hours of hiking, it’s a nice break to cover ground while giving my leg muscles a rest.

More about the Black-throated Blue Warbler: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Blue_Warbler

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115104445

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Hector Falls Forestry Road, Part 2

Rob Porter — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:03:28 -0500

The back half of the drive along Hector Falls Forestry Road.

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115104445

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Nocturnal Birding (Eastern Whip-poor-will)

Rob Porter — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:24:28 -0400

At the end of the very first episode of this season I mentioned we’ve be coming back to the nocturnal portion of that hike, and here we are!

This’ll be less birdsong, more talk and waiting in the quiet, I’m going to talk a bit about the Eastern Whip-poor-will. I’ll make reference to some bat sounds, but I couldn’t quite make them audible in the recording this time around. Stick around to the end for a surprise song right at the conclusion of my hike.

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115082556

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Axeltree.

Introduction to Hickory Creek, Part 1 (Mystery Species)

Rob Porter — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The Hickory Creek Wilderness Trail is a 21km trail that I won't taking in full this year, but perhaps in a future year. For now, I'm going to peek in a bit, and take a listen.

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115878656

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Introduction to Hickory Creek, Part 2

Rob Porter — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Eastern Chipmunk, Scarlet Tanager, and Red-eyed Vireo are featured in the last half of this introductory hike to Hickory Creek.

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115878656

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Evening Climb along Deer Lick Run, Part 1 (Dark-eyed Junco)

Rob Porter — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:09:34 -0400

As we ascend one of the trails that follows Deer Lick Run near Sheffield, Hermit Thrushes, Dark-eyed Juncos, Ovenbirds sing their evening songs.

Learn more about the Dark-eyed Junco: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/overview

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115149345

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Evening Climb along Deer Lick Run, Part 2 (Wood Thrush)

Rob Porter — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:11:37 -0400

As we descend the trails of Deer Lick Run, Hermit Thrush songs give way to their Wood Thrush cousins.

Learn more about the Wood Thrush: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Thrush

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115149345

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

The Edge of Heart's Content, Part 1

Rob Porter — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Heart's Content Scenic Area is one of the few "old growth" forests in Pennsylvania.

Instead of going deep into the old growth though, today I’ll be exploring the picnic area and nearby interpretive trails. It may seem counterintuitive, but the greatest diversity of songbirds can be heard by sticking close to edge habitat — that is, habitats that represent border between two or more habitats. In this case, the open meadow of the picnic area, and the old growth of Heart’s Content.

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S119284081

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

The Edge of Heart's Content, Part 2

Rob Porter — Tue, 07 May 2024 09:07:31 -0400

In this episode we continue with the exploration of Heart's Content via the interpretive trails along the edge habitat.

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S119284081

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 1

Rob Porter — Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

At sunrise every morning during bird breeding season, habitats everywhere erupt into birdsong.

This is referred to as the Dawn Chorus, and depending on where you live, it could be just a few neighbourhood backyard birds, or a deafening cacophony of various species competing to be heard the most.

I’m taking advantage of staying at campgrounds that have access to exceptional nature trails. Rather than driving somewhere to record, I’m going straight from the tent to the trails that meander up through valleys full of Eastern Hemlock and other Carolinian Forest species.

This will be my last day here in July of 2022, but it will be a very busy one. For the next 5 episodes we’ll be exploring this part of Allegheny National Forest, then making a couple more stops on my journey back home.

Keep listening after the credits, I’ve included some Winter Wrens and other species captured by a stationary recorder I left sitting near the campgrounds during this dawn chorus.

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115878501

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 2 (Magnolia Warbler)

Rob Porter — Tue, 28 May 2024 09:49:07 -0400

The dawn hike up Deer Lick Run continues, including some morning songs from Magnolia Warblers.

eBird Checklist for the outing this was recorded during: https://ebird.org/checklist/S115878501

Download Merlin Bird ID today: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 3 (Common Yellowthroat)

Rob Porter — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The hike continues with Common Yellowthoats, Indigo Buntings, and much more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 4

Rob Porter — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

I’m continuing my early morning hike along Deer Lick Run, and am now heading back downstream towards my campsite. It’s been just over an hour since sunrise, and the dawn chorus is still going strong.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Dawn Hike at Deer Lick Run, Part 5

Rob Porter — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

As the hike approaches the end, Dark-eyed Juncos, Winter Wren and Magnolia Warblers are encountered while many more newts are found.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

The Timberdoodle Flats, Part 1

Rob Porter — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The Timberdoodle Flats are in the northeast of the ANF, and are a different kind of habitat -- a mix of meadows, forest, and open prairie.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

The Timberdoodle Flats, Part 2 (Eastern Towhee)

Rob Porter — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:04:20 -0400

We continue through the Timberdoodle Flats, and encounter Eastern Towhees, Chestnut-sided Warblers, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Allegheny State Park in July, Part 1

Rob Porter — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

For the next couple episodes, we'll be exploring the New York side of the the forest -- specifically within the bounds of the Allegheny State Park.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Allegheny State Park in July, Part 2

Rob Porter — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 13:56:34 -0400

I’m wrapping up my exploration of the Red House Wetlands at Allegheny State Park in New York state. Even though its late in the day for birdsong, there are still a couple new species to be heard during my last recording of 2022.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Jason Shaw.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 1

Rob Porter — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:40:33 -0400

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024.

This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc

Credits

Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 2

Rob Porter — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:23:51 -0400

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024.

This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc

Credits

Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Special: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp, Part 3

Rob Porter — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

For this special fifth anniversary series we'll be exploring the Beverly Swamp in Flamborough, Ontario, Canada during the summer solstice of 2024.

This hike was also video recorded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et9KCRoHDMc

Credits

Songbirding: Summer Solstice in the Beverly Swamp is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Support Songbirding: A Birding-by-ear Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/songbirding

Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 1

Rob Porter — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:56:59 -0500

It’s been five years since I first recorded birdsong at the Otter Lake Side Trail in Cape Chin North on the Bruce Peninsula. In this three part series, we'll return for another morning hike.

A video version is forthcoming and the link will be added here when ready.

Credits

Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to further support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 2

Rob Porter — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:11:46 -0500

We continue the hike by exploring the shore along Otter Lake, including Common Yellowthroats, Swamp Sparrows, Song Sparrows, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to further support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Special: Return to Otter Lake, Part 3

Rob Porter — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:49:26 -0500

We conclude the hike, starting with some unhappy blackbirds, and rounding off with Red-eyed Vireos and Black-throated Green Warblers.

Credits

Songbirding: Return to Otter Lake is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to further support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Songbird Sojourn, Part 1 (Tufted Titmouse)

Rob Porter — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 21:45:51 -0500

It's 2023 and I've returned to Allegheny National Forest. For the next few episodes we'll be exploring the Buzzard Swamp, starting with the aptly named Songbird Sojourn trail.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Songbird Sojourn, Part 2 (Ovenbird)

Rob Porter — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

As we continue the Songbird Sojourn Trail, Ovenbirds, Blue-headed Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos and various other species are heard.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Songbird Sojourn, Part 3 (Brown Creeper)

Rob Porter — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:46:12 -0500

The songs continue along the Songbird Sojourn -- including Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and many more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Intermezzo (Blackburnian Warbler)

Rob Porter — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 12:01:44 -0400

As we take a "lunch" break between the Songbird Sojourn Trail and the Buzzard Swamp, a Gray Catbird, Blackburnian Warbler, and various other birds sing.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

The Buzzard Swamp, Part 1 (Alder/Willow Flycatcher)

Rob Porter — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 10:08:32 -0400

Now we follow an open access road into the Buzzard Swamp proper, encountering many new species, such as Common Yellowthroats, Field Sparrow, House Wren, and various flycatchers.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

The Buzzard Swamp, Part 2 (Song Sparrow)

Rob Porter — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 22:02:27 -0400

In our concluding hike of this area, the wind picks up but so do the bird songs! Song Sparrow, House Wren, Yellow Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat are just a few species we encounter in the last leg of the journey.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

The Beaver Meadows Loop, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:55:02 -0400

It's a lazy and hazy afternoon, and we're going to hike the Beaver Meadows Loop in Allegheny National Forest. Some species encountered include Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

The Beaver Meadows Loop, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The slow hike concludes as we hear more Red-headed and Blue-headed Vireos, Ovenbirds, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Migrations: World Migratory Bird Day 2025

Rob Porter — Fri, 09 May 2025 21:57:35 -0400

Saturday May 10th, 2025 is World Migratory Bird Day.

This annual event held every year on the second Saturday in May for the US and Canada, and second Saturday in October in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

For extra content, see Patreon https://www.patreon.com/songbirding

Credits

Songbirding: World Migratory Bird Day 2025 is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Minister Creek Trail, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

For the next few episodes we’ll be exploring one of my favourite birding hikes yet — the Minister Creek Trail.

I came to this trail knowing nearly nothing about it, and yet seem to have found the perfect time to explore it — in early June when the rhododendrons are blooming and birdsong is in abundance.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Minister Creek Trail, Part 2 (Eastern Chipmunk)

Rob Porter — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

When learning birds calls and songs, there are a few non-avian sounds that are useful to know. Sometimes mammals, such the Eastern Chipmunk sound like what you could imagine to be a bird call. It can sound like the chipping calls of a number of bird species, and sometimes it can even make a clacking call that is similar to that of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo!

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Minister Creek Trail, Part 3 (Rose-breasted Grosbeak)

Rob Porter — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is an iconic songbird species: the male's bright and cheery song, and equality cheery and rosy plumage makes it a highly sought-after backyard bird.

The song is sometimes referred to as, "sounding like an American Robin who has taken singing lessons".

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Minister Creek Trail, Part 4 (Canada Warbler)

Rob Porter — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Canada Warbler is colourful, energetic little bird found in the understory of northern forests throughout Canada and the northeastern United States. It's sometimes called the "necklaced" warbler due to its black necklace pattern across its yellow chest.

The song of the Canada Warbler is loud, clear, and can vary by individual but generally always is a cheery rapid tune, sung from a low perch.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Minister Creek Trail, Part 5 (Black-and-white Warbler)

Rob Porter — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Black-and-white warbler is striking in both its pattern and behaviour.

Its zebra-striped plumage combined with its nuthatch-like behaviour of climbing up tree trunks and hanging upside down off branches, makes it a unique warbler.

The song of the Black-and-white Warbler is a fairly simple, consistent 2 to 3 second staccato trill that can sometimes be very quiet.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Minister Creek Trail, Part 6

Rob Porter — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

After several hours exploring, I’m ready to conclude my hike of the Minister Creek Trail. Even though noon is soon approaching, the bird’s songs are still going strong!

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

From Dusk... (Barred Owl)

Rob Porter — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Barred Owl is one of the larger owls, and has a brown mottled plumage, and big black beady eyes.

They are typically found in mature forests near water, and swamps.

Their hooting “Who cook’s for you” song can make these owls incredibly easy to find -- by ear at least.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

...Until Dawn Chorus

Rob Porter — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This will be my final day of recording for this season of Songbirding, which will be a whirlwind tour of several remote areas of Allegheny National Forest.

But first, I’m hiking up Deer Lick Run one last time to retrieve my recorders, which captured this abundant dawn chorus.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Logan Falls Trail, Part 1

Rob Porter — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 20:22:00 -0400

Deep in the Allegheny National Forest is a trail leading down to Logan Falls. Along the trail we'll be hearing Black-throated Green Warblers, Ovenbirds, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Logan Falls Trail, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As we return to the access road, a family of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers is encountered, and some Black-throated Green Warblers and Ovenbirds are heard.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Birding the Forest Roads

Rob Porter — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

I've joined the Pennsylvania Bird Atlas, which gives me a good reason to just explore some of the forest access roads to collect more observations. Since the roads are so quiet and without traffic, they're great for birding, and listening for bird songs.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

The Ghost Town of Owl's Nest (Chestnut-sided Warbler)

Rob Porter — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Deep in Allegheny National Forest is the ghost town of Owl's Nest. While there were no owls to be found, there were a few songbirds to be heard, including a very cooperative Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Allegheny Dusk, Part 1

Rob Porter — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:10:38 -0400

On the last hike of the season, we return to Deer Lick Run for an evening birding hike.

Credits Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Allegheny Dusk, Part 2 (Swainson's Thush; season finale)

Rob Porter — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:42:46 -0400

We conclude with the finale hike of the season, listening to Swainson's Thrushes, and more.

Credits

Songbirding: The Allegheny National Forest is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Josh Woodward.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Species in Focus: Orchard Oriole

Rob Porter — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In the upcoming special episodes I’m going to feature songbird species who fit three criteria: that I have plenty of recordings of them, that I have not significantly featured them before, and that they are not likely to be featured in the next season of Songbirding because they do no occur in the west, or have not shown up significantly in my western recordings as of right now.

The Orchard Oriole has a curious song. Much like the Baltimore Oriole, each bird might have a slightly different song, with their own unique phrases.

This songbird has quite a varied appearance, with lemony-yellow females, and males with two plumages: one of a yellow bird with a black beard, typically seen in the second year of the bird’s life, followed up with a more mature plumage of a dark back and hood with what I like to refer to as a blood-orange chest, though some describe this more as a chestnut colour. Either way, the older males are quite a dark bird.

I find that the Orchard Oriole usually sounds like it is frequently interrupting its own whistle-y songs with terse, harsh interjections. And to my ears, sounds almost like an Eastern Warbling Vireo, except that it is interrupting its own songs.

For this episode we’ll be exploring three locations within my Ontario breeding bird atlas square, in Haldimand County, Ontario. I’ve found over the years of this survey that this species is highly successful in Haldimand, showing up in a high proportion of my random point count surveys.

Credits

Songbirding: Species in Focus is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Universfield.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Species In Focus: Marsh Wren

Rob Porter — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:00:00 -0400

The Marsh Wren is a small, brownish, energetic songbird found in wetlands across a large swath of North America.

Their song is a mix of harsh trills, gurgles, and buzzes. And, like most wren species, are much louder than their small size might suggest.

This episode we will be exploring Taquanyah Conservation Area near Cayuga Ontario, first on two dates in 2024, then in the conclusion you’ll hear a surprise I found there in May of 2022.

Credits

Songbirding: Species in Focus is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Universfield.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Species in Focus: Sedge Wren

Rob Porter — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:05:46 -0400

The Sedge Wren is a small, russet coloured energetic songbird found breeding in fields and shallow marshes in many parts of inland North America.

Their song consists of several dry-sounding chirps followed by a short trill. Unlike other wren species they tend to be more shy, and without their loud song, can easily go unnoticed.

This episode we will be exploring Taquanyah Conservation Area near Cayuga Ontario, in May of 2022.

Credits Songbirding: Species in Focus is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Universfield.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Songbirding Halloween Special

Rob Porter — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:10:27 -0400

Tonight, we take a walk after dark through a swamp full of katydids, crickets, grasshoppers, and maybe an owl...

Credits Songbirding: Species in Focus is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Scott Buckley.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Species in Focus: Northern Yellow Warbler

Rob Porter — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:56:36 -0500

The Northern Yellow Warbler is a bright and cheerful sounding songbird found during the breeding season all across North America.

Males of the species are yellow with some red flecks along their chest, and are very songful.

They have a number of different songs, but their most common one can be described as sounding like “sweet sweet, sweeter than sweet”.

In 2025, this species was split from what was called simply the Yellow Warbler, so this might be the first you’re hearing of it being a Northern Yellow Warbler. This is in contrast to the Mangrove Yellow Warbler, which has a reddish head and is a nonmigratory species found along the mangrove shores from Florida, south to Mexico, the Caribbean, through Central America down to South America.

Credits

Songbirding: Species in Focus is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Universfield.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

2025-26 Christmas Bird Count Special, Part 1

Rob Porter — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:25:17 -0500

The Christmas Bird Count is a census of birds in the western hemisphere that is held between December 14 and January 5 each winter.

It was devised originally as an alternative to the 19th century tradition of hunting birds at Christmas, and has evolved to become the longest running citizen science project.

There are tens of thousands of participants - seeking out and counting tens of millions of birds each year.

2025 will be the 126th year of the Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t already participate in one, as of this episode’s release, you still have time to find and join a count local to you.

For the next two episodes I’ll be sharing with you my experiences out in the field during two of the 2024 Christmas Bird Counts, starting with the 49th Hanover-Walkerton Christmas Bird Count in Bruce County, Ontario, Canada.

Credits

Songbirding is a Songbirding Studios production, and was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is by Scott Buckley.

For more information about the Christmas Bird Count, see: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

The eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S124632617

2025-26 Christmas Bird Count Special, Part 2

Rob Porter — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 14:59:08 -0500

The Christmas Bird Count is a census of birds in the western hemisphere that is held between December 14 and January 5 each winter.

It was devised originally as an alternative to the 19th century tradition of hunting birds at Christmas, and has evolved to become the longest running citizen science project.

There are tens of thousands of participants - seeking out and counting tens of millions of birds each year.

2025 will be the 126th year of the Christmas Bird Count. If you don’t already participate in one, as of this episode’s release, you still have time to find and join a count local to you.

This episode was recorded during the 48th Cambridge Christmas Bird Count in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.

Credits

Songbirding is a Songbirding Studios production, and was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is by Scott Buckley.

For more information about the Christmas Bird Count, see: https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

Songbirding: Kananaskis Country (trailer)

Rob Porter — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:15:36 -0500

Here in the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, the birds are our hosts. We are their guests.

Premieres March 2, 2026.

Credits

Songbirding: Kananaskis Country is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Townsend's Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/

Creative Commons music is PlainGrey by Blue Dot Sessions: https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/362688

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Species in Focus: Common Grackle

Rob Porter — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:24:08 -0500

The Common Grackle is a blackbird with bright yellow eyes and a glossy-irridescent plumage. Their vocalizations are a mix of croaks, creaks, squeaks, and whistles.

Common Grackles are typically found in most of Canada and the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, and are present year-round in the south-eastern half of that range.

For this Species in Focus episode I’ll be sharing a spring walk at Fifty Point Conservation Area in Grimsby, Ontario in March 2022 and at Valens Conservation Area in March 2023.

Credits

Songbirding: Species in Focus is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Universfield.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Species in Focus: Eastern Warbling-Vireo

Rob Porter — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:07:46 -0500

The Eastern Warbling-Vireo is greyish olive bird that can be found in deciduous trees in open areas in the central and northeastern United States, and in the prairies and southern parts of Ontario and Québec in Canada.

Its name is quite descriptive of its song — a rapid and almost frantic warbling song that is loud enough that you are more likely to hear this bird than see it.

In 2025 this species was split from the Western Warbling-Vireo, which has a much more disjoined sounding song. I’ll be sharing its songs and sounds in future episodes.

For this species in focus episode I’ll be sharing a previously unreleased hike from the Bruce County Rail Trail in 2021.

Credits

Songbirding: Species in Focus is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Blackburnian Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Universfield.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Kananaskis Dawn

Rob Porter — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

About an hour’s drive west of Calgary, Alberta in the foothills and front ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains is an area known as Kananaskis Country.

Within this nearly 1 million acres of land are towering mountains, alpine meadows, glaciers, forests, lakes, wetlands, grasslands, and thickets. Over 130 species of birds nest in Kananaskis Country, including many songbirds.

I’ve felt a draw to return to this place ever since I first camped here when I was 13.

The imagery of the mountains, sky, and forests have never left me. But I didn’t remember much about how it sounded.

Now, 30 years after I first visited Kananaskis Country, I’m back once again, this time with some field recorders and the skills and knowledge to help me identify the birdsongs I hear.

Credits

Songbirding: Kananaskis Country is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Townsend's Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Bluedot Sessions.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Sibbald Meadows Pond, Part 1

Rob Porter — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In Alberta, many road and highways are actually called trails. One such trail I’ll be exploring at lot is the Sibbald Creek Trail, a very wide, winding gravel road that passes through a diversity of mountain habitats.

One of those habitats is the Sibbald Meadows Pond, a popular fishing spot surrounded on all sides by mountains, which also happens to be a fantastic birding location. For the next few episodes I’ll be sharing my experiences at this location during my first trip here in mid-July of 2023.

Credits

Songbirding: Kananaskis Country is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Townsend's Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Bluedot Sessions.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Species in Focus: Lincoln's Sparrow

Rob Porter — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Lincoln’s Sparrow is a very secretive songbird that looks almost like it’s got a tailored plumage: complete with the stripes, spots, and the streaks of typical brownish North American sparrow.

Most notably its chest is buffy coloured and has visible fine streaks.

The song of the Lincoln’s Sparrow is a song of jumbled notes, and to me is reminiscent of an abbreivated House Wren song.

This species is found almost everywhere in Canada except for southern Ontario, the south central prairies and the arctic. It can also be found in limited parts of the western United States.

For this species in focus episode I’ll be sharing my recordings of the Lincoln’s Sparrow from Sibbald Meadows Pond, Jumpingpound Demonstration Forest, and the Fullerton Loop Hiking Trail.

Credits

Songbirding: Kananaskis Country is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Townsend's Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Bluedot Sessions.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Sibbald Meadows Pond, Part 2

Rob Porter — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

It’s a sunny mid-July morning and I’m continuing my exporation of the Sibbald Meadows Pond: a secluded wetland surrounded in all directions by mountains, and abundant with bird song.

Credits

Songbirding: Kananaskis Country is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Townsend's Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Bluedot Sessions.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Sibbald Meadows Pond, Part 3 (Common Yellowthroat)

Rob Porter — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Common Yellowthroat is a loud and lively warbler found along the edges of marshes and wetlands.

It is one of the few warblers found nearly everywhere across North America every summer.

Males are known for their broad black masks, and unmistakable "witchety-witchety-witchety" song.

In this episiode, we continue our hike around Sibbald Meadows Pond.

Credits

Songbirding: Kananaskis Country is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Townsend's Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Bluedot Sessions.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Sibbald Meadows Pond, Part 4

Rob Porter — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The morning is beginning to draw to a close and I am wrapping up my first exploration of the Sibbald Meadows Pond. Things may be a bit quieter but that does allow for me to focus more on the sounds of individual birds.

Credits

Songbirding: Kananaskis Country is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Townsend's Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Bluedot Sessions.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support

Elk Pass, Part 1 (Pacific Wren)

Rob Porter — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Pacific Wren is a tiny-yet-loud brown bird that can be found all year round in much of its West Coast range, though some of the more northern deeper interior populations in Canada make a short migration sound.

Their songs are a loud and tumbling cascade of bright musical phrases, lasting anywhere from 5 to 10 seconds on average, and sometimes even longer.

The species has a couple very similar sounding cousins around the world, namely the Winter Wren found more east in North America, and the Eurasian Wren in other parts of the world.

Credits

Songbirding: Kananaskis Country is a Songbirding Studios production.

Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter.

The Songbirding cover art (Townsend's Warbler) is by Lauren Helton: https://tinylongwing.carbonmade.com/projects/5344062

Creative Commons music is from Bluedot Sessions.

Learn how to support the show at https://songbirding.com/support