Re: [MDOsprey] Bird Songs
Norm Saunders (osprey@ARI.Net)
Tue, 30 Nov 1999 18:40:04 -0500
Parke John asks:
> What are the best CDs or cassettes to use to learn to bird by ear?
In the Peterson Field Guide Series there is "Birding By Ear, East", and "More
Birding By Ear, East." In my opinion these are the best introduction to
learning bird song that's presently available. Once you have these two sets
of tapes/CDs mastered, you will be the envy of many of your fellow birders.
Then, if you want to go further, the Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs, East is
perhaps one of the best birdsong collections I've ever heard. There is also
the Peterson Guide to Birdsong, East and one published by National Geographic
to complement the NG Field Guide.
Then, when you want to really test your mettle, get the Cornell Labs Warbler
tapes...enough to make a grown man cry!
And after all this...there are the Western counterparts to all of the above.
The key for me seems to be endless repetition. I generally start listening seriously
to my birdsong CDs while I commute in late January or early February. By the
time April rolls around I'm beginning to feel in control of things again.
Also, spend as much time birding with folks who do know bird song and
really try to listen to the songs they identify in the field. This should lessen
the steepness of the learning curve.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Norm
===============
Norm Saunders
Colesville, MD
osprey@ari.net