Songbirding Under 5kHz
by Rob Porter
_This version of Songbirding is modified for listeners with high-frequency hearing loss. All sounds above 5kHz have been transposed down one octave._Songbirding takes you on an auditory journey through the songs of birds. Recorded entirely outdoors, a variety of songbird species from the Great Lakes region of North America are featured. Each episode provides listeners with a unique and immersive experience, as they listen to the beautiful melodies and calls of different birds in their natural habitats.Along with the sounds, birding guide Rob Porter shares interesting facts and insights about the birds, providing a deeper understanding of their behaviour and significance in the ecosystems they inhabit.Season 1, "The Bruce Peninsula" was recorded in July of 2019, in the peak of songbird breeding season.Season 2, "Midsummer" was recorded in July and August of 2019, in southern Ontario.Season 2 of this podcast updates bi-weekly on Mondays and Thursdays in March and April 2020.T
Episodes
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Evening Climb along Deer Lick Run, Part 2 (Wood Thrush)
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...
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Evening Climb along Deer Lick Run, Part 1 (Dark-eyed Junco)
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...
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Introduction to Hickory Creek, Part 2
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...
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Introduction to Hickory Creek, Part 1 (Mystery Species)
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...
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Nocturnal Birding (Eastern Whip-poor-will)
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...
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Hector Falls Forestry Road, Part 2
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...
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Hector Falls Forestry Road, Part 1 (Black-throated Blue Warbler)
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:...
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The Hike Back, Part 1 (Black-throated Green Warbler)
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...
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Hector Falls, Part 2 (Blue-headed Vireo)
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…
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Hector Falls, Part 1 (Red-eyed Vireo)
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:...
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A Sore Sounding Song (Scarlet Tanager)
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...
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A Perfect July Morning (Hooded Warbler)
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...
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The Hermits of Allegheny (Hermit Thrush)
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…
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2023-24 Christmas Bird Count Special
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…
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Migrations in the Quietude, Part 4 (finale)
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...
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Migrations in the Quietude, Part 3
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...
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Migrations in the Quietude, Part 2
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...
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Migrations in the Quietude, Part 1
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...
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The Quiet Before
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:...
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A June Morning Hike
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...
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Return Hike
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...
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Exploring Pine Tree Point
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...
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Kinglet Junction
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...
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Pine Tree Harbour Morning
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:...
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Henhoeffer Park East, Part 2
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...
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Henhoeffer Park East, Part 1
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:...
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Scouting Pine Tree Harbour, Part 2
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...
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Scouting Pine Tree Harbour, Part 1
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…
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Road Allowance, Part 2
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…
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Road Allowance, Part 1
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...
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A June Afternoon at Pine Tree Point North, Part 2
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…
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A June Afternoon at Pine Tree Point North, Part 1
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…
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Overcast Morning, Part 2
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...
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Overcast Morning, Part 1
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…
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A Quiet Evening With Birds
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…
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Season 5 Birdsong Soundscapes & Quiz #2
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…
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More Winds, More Warblers
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...
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A May Afternoon at Pine Tree Point North
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…
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Overnight Arrivals
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...
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A May Morning Hike, Part 4
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:...
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A May Morning Hike, Part 3
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:...
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A May Morning Hike, Part 2
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:...
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A May Morning Hike, Part 1
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....
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Birds of the Night
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...
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Moulting & Migration Season
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...
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Two Short Hikes
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…
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Scugog Lake
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...
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Pine Tree Point North, Part 3
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"…
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Pine Tree Point North, Part 2
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...
About this show
_This version of Songbirding is modified for listeners with high-frequency hearing loss. All sounds above 5kHz have been transposed down one octave._Songbirding takes you on an auditory journey through the songs of birds. Recorded entirely outdoors, a variety of songbird species from the Great Lakes region of North America are featured. Each episode provides listeners with a unique and immersive experience, as they listen to the beautiful melodies and calls of different birds in their natural habitats.Along with the sounds, birding guide Rob Porter shares interesting facts and insights about the birds, providing a deeper understanding of their behaviour and significance in the ecosystems they inhabit.Season 1, "The Bruce Peninsula" was recorded in July of 2019, in the peak of songbird breeding season.Season 2, "Midsummer" was recorded in July and August of 2019, in southern Ontario.Season 2 of this podcast updates bi-weekly on Mondays and Thursdays in March and April 2020.T
Hosted by
Rob Porter