Songbirding

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

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

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/

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.

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/

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.

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/

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/

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/

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/

(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.

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/

(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.

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/

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/

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/

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.

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/)

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/)

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/)

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.

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/)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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= =

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

=

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

-

-

-

-

1. Indigo Bunting, Red-eyed Vireo
2. Chestnut-sided Warbler
3. Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler, (American Redstart background)
4. Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush
5. Purple Finch
6. Blackburnian Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo
7. Blackburnian Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo (Pine Warbler near end)
8. Common Yellowthroat
9. Black-throated Blue Warbler, Hermit Thrush
10. Red-winged Blackbird
11. Black-throated Green Warbler
12. American Redstart
13. Gray Catbird (Mourning Dove & Common Yellowthroat in background)
14. Eastern Wood-Pewee
15. Ovenbird
16. Black-throated Green Warbler, Winter Wren
17. Nashville Warbler
18. Dark-eyed Junco

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

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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.

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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.

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/