Ear to the Wild

With the busy-ness of one’s day to day life it’s easy to forget how the rhythms of nature can sooth us. It’s good to take a minute to tune into this place, and to all the other creatures who live here at Drakes Beach, in Point Reyes National Seashore.  Here we are at Drakes Beach, in Point Reyes National Seashore. If you listen carefully, you can hear the surf washing over the rocks, into small pools, and back out again. With the busy-ness of one’s day to day life it’s easy to forget how the rhythms of nature can sooth us. It’s good to take a minute to tune into this place, and to all the other creatures who live here. The sound of the surf of Drakes Beach reminds us to stop, breathe, be silent, and listen. It helps us to stay in touch with who we really are. The sound of the surf at Drakes Beach. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com (The audio for this episode was recorded during a field survey of Elephant seals. Elephant seal monitoring activities at Point Reyes National Seashore are authorized under National Marine Fisheries Service Permit Number 27424).

In memory of Gustav Hobel. My friend Gustav and I used to live next door to one another on Sonoma Creek. The Belted Kingfishers would fly by, calling, with that ratchety kind of sound that they have in their voice. That’s why he’d call them the “mechanical bird.” I’m recording at Tomales Bay, on the kayak… between Heart’s Desire Beach and Shallow Beach. And now, dead ahead, I’m seeing a Belted Kingfisher. My friend Gustav calls the Belted Kingfisher the “mechanical bird.” We used to live next door to one another on Sonoma Creek and the Kingfishers would fly by, calling, with that ratchety kind of sound that they have in their voice. And that’s why he called it the “mechanical bird.”   The Belted Kingfisher… Gustav’s “mechanical bird.” Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com.

The Northern Mockingbird is an impressive singer! This species gets its name from how they mimic the songs of other birds. The more sounds the male is able to include in his song, the more likely he is to attract a female. The Northern Mockingbird is an impressive singer! They’re common throughout the US. And also parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands. Northern Mockingbirds get their name because of how they mimic the songs of other birds. In fact, they’ve also been known to mimic the sounds of cell phones, car alarms, or whatever else catches their ear! The male Northern Mockingbird does this to impress females. The more sounds he’s able to include in his song, the more likely he is to win her attention. You may have noticed a Northern Mockingbird singing in the background as I’ve been talking. Have a  listen to what he’s got to say…   A Northern Mockingbird singing his heart out. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

Adult female elephant seals make a number of different sounds. Marine Ecologist Sarah Codde says, “So, you can hear that softer sound she makes is to her pup… And then you can hear that different sound when she’s angry… It’s much deeper and has that, kind of, aggressive sound.” Adult female elephant seals make a number of different sounds. Here’s Marine Ecologist Sarah Codde. “So, you can hear that softer sound she makes is to her pup… And then you can hear kind of that different sound when she’s angry… It’s much like, deeper and, you know, has that kind of aggressive sound. Where this is, we call, warbling, and it’s just this kind of nice soft call to get her pup’s attention.” “Ha, ha, ha… ahh, those pups! I wonder what they’re saying?" asks Hines. “Right…” said Codde. “Uh, ‘I’m hungry’ I guess,” she adds. “I think so!" replied Hines. Adult female elephant seals at Drake’s Beach, with Sarah Codde. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com Elephant seal monitoring activities at Point Reyes National Seashore are authorized under National Marine Fisheries Service Permit Number 27424. 

In soundscape ecology we think of three different categories of sound. One of those, and really the first, is geophony. It can be quite musical, and here’s a good example of it. The creek’s flowing quite well, and there’s this great low frequency plunging sound of the water. So, let’s just give a listen to the musicality of this geophony! In soundscape ecology we think of basically, three different categories of sound. One of those, and really the first, is geophony. It can be, really, quite musical, and here’s a good example of it. This is Sonoma Creek, in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. And we’ve gotten a lot of rain; it’s mid-February, 2025. And, so the creek’s flowing quite well, and there’s this great low frequency plunging sound of the water. And then there’s the higher frequency stuff. So, let’s just give a listen to the musicality of this geophony at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.   Geophony, at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information please visit eartothewild.com

In winter Elephant seals gather on Drake’s Beach, at Point Reyes National Seashore. Females give birth to pups and nurse them during this time. Elephant seal monitoring activities at Point Reyes National Seashore are authorized under National Marine Fisheries Service Permit Number 27424. In winter Elephant seals gather on Drake’s Beach, at Point Reyes National Seashore. Females give birth to pups and nurse them during this time. In this episode of Ear to the Wild Jack Hines talks to Marine Ecologist Sarah Codde about how many pups have been born so far, and what else she’ll be looking for during her survey. Elephant seal monitoring activities at Point Reyes National Seashore are authorized under National Marine Fisheries Service Permit Number 27424.    

One bird you’ll hear around parts of Sonoma County in the summer is the Pacific-slope Flycatcher. Once you learn their song it’s easy to recognize. So, next time you’re relaxing in the shade by a creek and sipping lemonade on a hot summer’s day in Sonoma County, keep an ear out for the Pacific-slope Flycatcher! One bird you’ll hear around parts of Sonoma County in the summer is the Pacific-slope Flycatcher. They arrive in spring and migrate back to Mexico in the fall. Pacific-slope Flycatchers like wooded areas along creeks and in canyons. Places with flowing streams and open canopy where they can catch flying insects. But you’re more likely to hear the Pacific-slope Flycatcher before you see it! Once you learn their song it’s easy to recognize. So, next time you’re relaxing in the shade by a creek and sipping lemonade on a hot summer’s day in Sonoma County, keep an ear out for the Pacific-slope Flycatcher! The Pacific-slope Flycatcher! Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

I’m up here at Jack London’s old property, at the London Lake. I thought we’d lend an ear to the Winter soundscape here. The lake is nice and full. We’ve been getting a lot of rain, and it’s overcast. And it’s got that nice magical, misty quality. So, let’s give a listen to this solstice soundscape.   Hey everybody. I’m up here at Jack London’s old property, at the London Lake. This is a spot I like to record at. I’ve got some nice springtime recordings, but thought we’d lend an ear to the Winter soundscape here. The lake is nice and full. We’ve been getting a lot of rain, and it’s overcast. And it’s got that nice magical, misty quality. So, let’s give a listen to this solstice soundscape. The Winter solstice frog chorus at Jack London Lake. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com See a video of this episode HERE.

The Calabazas sub-watershed is one of the largest in the greater Sonoma Creek watershed. During major storms it collects an impressive amount of water. Listen to the rushing waters of Calabazas Creek just before it reaches the mainstem of Sonoma Creek. Calabazas Creek is part of the Sonoma Creek watershed. It starts as a trickle up on the ridge between Sonoma and Napa valleys, where Trinity Road crosses over. As it flows down the slope through Nuns Canyon it gathers more and more water. Calabazas Creek goes under highway 12 at Nuns Canyon Road. Eventually it flows along Henno Road and into Glen Ellen. The Calabazas sub-watershed is one of the largest in the greater Sonoma Creek watershed. During major storms it collects an impressive amount of water. Here’s the rushing waters of Calabazas Creek just before it reaches the mainstem of Sonoma Creek. The Rushing Waters of Calabazas Creek. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

Mute Swans are the ones you see in so many fairy tales. People started bringing them to North America from Europe around the late 1800s. They can severely impact native ecosystems, eating up to 8 pounds of underwater plants a day! This leaves less for native waterfowl. Mute Swans flap their wings and run across the water as they take flight.    Mute Swans are the ones you see in so many fairy tales. People started bringing them to North America from Europe around the late 1800s. They must’ve thought they’d add an air of fairy tale romance to parks and gardens. Of course, some escaped and eventually our continent’s wild populations were established. Mute Swans can severely impact native ecosystems. They eat up to 8 pounds of underwater plants a day! This leaves less for native waterfowl, who eat them too. Mute Swans flap their wings and run across the water as they take flight. Once they’re airborne, listen for a faint whistling sound coming from their wings. Mute Swans taking flight at Shollenberger Park. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

In 1897 a physicist named Amos Dolbear published a paper called “The Cricket as a Thermometer.” He’d discovered a formula for estimating the air temperature by counting the chirps of crickets. Let’s try it! In 1897 a physicist named Amos Dolbear published a paper called “The Cricket as a Thermometer.” He’d discovered a formula for estimating the air temperature by counting the chirps of crickets! One, two, three... Dolbear’s formula changes depending on the species. In this case if you count the number of chirps in 20 seconds, then add 38, you’ll have the temperature. Let’s try it! Ready?... Start counting. Okay, that was 10 chirps. So, add 38 and you can tell it was about 48° F!  Using the cricket as a thermometer. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

Juvenile Great-horned Owls beg for food from adults by making raspy sounding screeches. In the Fall they’re learning to hunt, but they still beg for food from the adults. In this recording their dialog ends with what sounds like the juvenile Great-horned Owl landing in a grassy field and catching something! Juvenile Great-horned Owls beg for food from adults by making raspy sounding screeches. They do this even when they’re about ready to strike out on their own. In the Fall juvenile Great-horned Owls have one wing in the nest, and one out in the great big world. At this stage they’re learning to hunt, but they still beg for food from the adults. The adults respond by saying what must mean something like “you’re on your own, junior. You got this!” In this recording their dialog ends with what sounds like the juvenile Great-horned Owl landing in a grassy field and catching something! A juvenile Great-horned Owl striking out on its own. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com.

As the moon rises a Gray Fox barks. Her voice reverberates across a small field of Coyote Brush and grass. Another Gray Fox responds in the distance. Their voices carry over the chorus of crickets. Owls sing as the night settles in. The two Gray Foxes call to one another from the shadows, and listen… As the moon rises a Gray Fox barks. Her voice reverberates across a small field of Coyote Brush and grass. This is the kind of habitat that Gray Foxes like. They have plenty of cover in the trees and dense thickets along the edge of the field. It’s mid-October, yet there’s still water in the creek. And rabbits and other small rodents provide a steady source of food. Another Gray Fox responds in the distance. Their voices carry over the loud chorus of crickets. Owls sing as the night settles in. The two Gray Foxes call to one another from the shadows, and listen. Gray Foxes on a moonlit night. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

The sound of crickets all singing together is sometimes referred to as an orchestra. Late summer and fall is the time when the cricket Orchestras here in Sonoma County start to tune up and fill the night with their music! The sound of crickets all singing together is sometimes referred to as an orchestra. Male crickets produce sound by rubbing a scraper on one of their forewings against a row of teeth on the other. This is called stridulation, and they do this to attract females. There are many different species of crickets all around the world. Some live on the ground, while others live up in trees. The song of most tree crickets is a sustained trill, like what we’re hearing now. Late summer and fall are when we hear them most. That’s the time when the cricket Orchestras here in Sonoma County start to tune up and fill the night with their music!    An orchestra of crickets, here in Sonoma County! Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

If you listen closely to this soundscape you’ll hear a low sound that sounds a little like “ker-plunk, ker-plunk...” That’s a species of bird called the American Bittern. If you listen closely to this soundscape you’ll hear a low sound that sounds a little like “ker-plunk, ker-plunk”… That’s a species of bird called the American Bittern. There are a lot of other birds in the mix here at Ledson Marsh, so you’ll have to listen carefully to pick it out… The American Bittern is a type of heron that lives mostly in marshes. They blend in with the reeds because they have brown and pale vertical streaks. Low frequency sound travels better through the dense reeds. So, the lower voice of the American Bittern allows them to communicate with one another through the busy soundscape of the marsh! For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

Every spring and summer the Ash-throated Flycatcher’s distinctive voice contributes to soundscapes across the West, from Texas to California. But by the end of August they take their music back to Mexico, and as far south as Central America. The Ash-throated Flycatcher is largely thought of as a desert bird. But they also nest in semi-arid habitats, like the open woodlands and chaparral found in much of eastern Sonoma County. Just like some other animals that live in the desert, the Ash-throated Flycatcher doesn’t need to drink. They get all the water they need from the insects they feed on! Every spring and summer the Ash-throated Flycatcher’s distinctive voice contributes to soundscapes across the West, from Texas to California. But by the end of August they take their music back to Mexico, and as far south as Central America. That’s where most Ash-throated Flycatchers spend the fall and winter. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

Harbor seals spend up to 70% of their life underwater. Their aquatic home can sound strange and even abstract to our ears. In this recording from Jenner we can hear harbor seals making grunting sounds, and blowing bubbles. Harbor seals spend up to 70% of their life underwater. Their aquatic home can sound strange and even abstract to our ears. Yet, harbor seals thrive in this different sounding environment. Their hearing is extremely good underwater. This helps them to hunt for fish, and also to avoid being hunted by predators. In this recording from Jenner we can hear harbor seals making grunting sounds, and blowing bubbles. We can also hear them splashing, and something that sounds like them swimming along the gravelly bottom of the Russian River.    The underwater world of the harbor seal. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

Marsh Wrens are about the size of a sparrow. They’re a rusty-brown color, with black and white markings that resemble eyebrows. These were recorded at Kennedy Park, in Napa. Listen carefully and you’ll hear a quick couple of “chuck” sounds, followed by the Marsh Wren’s “rapid fire” song. Marsh Wrens are found throughout most of North America. In summer their range extends up into Canada. And in winter they migrate south to Mexico. Marsh Wrens here on the Pacific coast look and sound a little different than those back east. All Marsh Wrens are about the size of a sparrow. They’re a rusty-brown color, with black and white markings that resemble eyebrows. Like other wrens, their tails stick up, rather than pointing straight back. These Marsh Wrens were recorded at Kennedy Park, in Napa. Listen carefully and you’ll hear a quick couple of “chuck” sounds, followed by the Marsh Wren’s “rapid fire” song.   Marsh Wrens at Kennedy Park, in Napa. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

The Swainson’s Thrush is one of those birds that you’re more likely to hear than see. If you paddle along the south bank of the Russian River Estuary, near Jenner… you might just hear the beautiful music of our russet-backed Swainson’s Thrush! The Swainson’s Thrush is one of those birds that you’re more likely to hear than see. Their song sounds kind of like a flute as it ascends from low to high, like this [sound]. The Swainson’s Thrushes we have on the Pacific coast are known as “russet-backed” because they have a slightly more reddish color than those in the rest of North America. They also have a slightly different song [sound]. In late spring and summer… If you paddle along the south bank of the Russian River Estuary, near Jenner… you might just hear the beautiful music of our russet-backed Swainson’s Thrush!   The Swainson’s Thrush, on the shore of the Russian River Estuary. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit eartothewild.com

We’re back at the headwaters of Sonoma Creek, in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park listening to Downy Woodpecker chicks. We were last here in winter, and now it’s spring.  We’re back at the headwaters of Sonoma Creek, in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park listening to Downy Woodpecker chicks. We were last here in winter, and now it’s spring. Can you hear that high pitched, ongoing sound? It has a steady rhythm like… Those are the Downy Woodpecker chicks! They’re in a nest in the trunk of an Alder tree that’s about 20 feet above the creek. The adult Downy Woodpecker calls as he gets close to the nest. And the chicks get excited when he flies in to feed them. By the way, the drumming you hear off in the distance is probably another Downy Woodpecker. Maybe the female!   Downy Woodpecker chicks at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information, please visit EarToTheWild.com

  Springtime at London Lake, in Jack London State Historic Park, is alive with the sound of many species of birds and insects.         Springtime at London Lake, in Jack London State Historic Park, is alive with the sound of many species of birds and insects. Winter brought a good amount of rain, and London Lake is full. Grasses are growing, flowers are blooming, and the trees are sprouting new leaves. The habitat in and around London Lake is buzzing with the sound of insects. And of course, with the insects come the birds who feed on them. The Red-winged Blackbird, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Wilson's Warbler, and many others come together to create this soundscape. This is the sound of springtime at London Lake!   Springtime at London Lake. Thanks for lending an ear to the wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information please visit ear to the wild.com

The Varied Thrush's song has been described as haunting, ethereal, and mysterious. Listen, and you might just hear the spirit of the old growth forests they call home, reverberating in the song of the Varied Thrush! The Varied Thrush's song has been described as haunting, ethereal, and mysterious. They're a fairly elusive bird, so they're more likely to be heard and not seen. Varied Thrushes migrate south in the winter, from the forests of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. The San Francisco Bay Area is near the southern extent of their range. Varied Thrushes numbers have decreased in the last 40 years because of habitat loss in the old growth forests where they breed in the summer. Listen, and you might just hear the spirit of those old forests in the song of the Varied Thrush. The Varied Thrush! Thanks for lending an ear to the wild. I’m Jack Hines. For more information please visit ear to the wild.com (Photo: Mike's Birds from Riverside, CA, US, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

  By the end of his second month the male Bewick's Wren has found his own unique Voice. This will be the song he sings for his entire life!     The Bewick’s Wren is a very common bird in the West, and here in the North Bay. They mostly eat insects and spiders! The Bewick's Wren used to be common back East as well, but are now almost completely gone from there because of competition with the House Wren. About a month after hatching, the male Bewick's Wren starts to learn to sing. He develops slight variations from the adult males that he hears around him. By the end of his second month the male Bewick's Wren has found his own unique Voice. This will be the song he sings for his entire life!   A Bewick's Wren at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park! Thanks for lending an ear to the wild I’m Jack Hines. For more information please visit ear to the wild.com   (Photo: Becky Matsubara from El Sobrante, California, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

  Red-breasted Nuthatches can be found in parts of Sonoma County. You can sometimes hear them in Annadel State Park. The next time you visit your favorite stand of conifer trees, keep an ear out for the Red-breasted Nuthatch! If you've spent time in the Sierra Nevada during summer, you've probably heard the Red-breasted Nuthatch! They like conifer trees, and of course there are lot’s of those in the mountains. But Red-breasted Nuthatches can also be found in parts of Sonoma County. Annadel State Park has plenty of conifer trees, and you can sometimes hear them there. Like in this recording from March of 2008. By the way, they’re a little smaller than their white-breasted cousins. They also have more of a nasal quality to their voice. So, next time you visit your favorite stand of conifer trees, keep an ear out for the Red-breasted Nuthatch! The Red-breasted Nuthatch in Sonoma County! Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild! I'm Jack Hines! For more information please visit EartotheWild.com. (Photo: Mick Thompson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

  Deep down in their DNA Black-tailed Deer are wired to be on alert for predators. When a mountain lion or say, a bobcat is nearby, Black-tailed Deer will sound an alarm. Black-tailed Deer are the only species of deer found in Sonoma County. They're commonly seen in many open spaces, parks, and suburban neighborhoods. Deep down in their DNA Black-tailed Deer are wired to be on alert for predators. When a mountain lion or say, a bobcat is nearby, Black-tailed Deer will sound an alarm. In this recording you can hear an urgency in the sounds the deer makes, and in the way it stamps the ground as it bounds away. Whatever it was that might’ve been lurking in the dark that night, it sure sounds like for this Black-tailed Deer, it was something serious! A Black-tailed Deer making alarm sounds. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I'm Jack Hines! For more information please visit EartotheWild.com.

They're small, and hard to see at night. But when you hear that bouncing ball rhythm coming from the forest, you'll know it's a Western Screech-Owl! (Photo: Randy R. Magnuson, CC BY-SA 3.0)   The Western Screech-Owl's song sounds a little bit like a bouncing ball. They make other sounds too. Like this contact call they use to keep track of one another in the dark.... In spite of their name Western Screech-Owls don't even really screech! They used to be considered the same species as the Eastern Screech-Owl. At some point biologists noticed that the Western Screech-Owls made different sounds, and that led to them being designated as a separate species. They're small, and hard to see at night. But when you hear that bouncing ball rhythm coming from the forest, you'll know it's a Western Screech-Owl!   The Western Screech-Owl! Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I'm Jack Hines! For more information please visit EartotheWild.com. Season 2: Episode 8 Aired: week of February 25, 2024 (Photo: Randy R. Magnuson, CC BY-SA 3.0)

  Mourning Doves get their name from the sound they make. People sometimes describe it as being sad, or mournful, so that's why naturalists have named them the Mourning Dove. Their gentle cooing always seems to add something special to the soundscape!    Mourning Doves get their name from the sound they make. People sometimes describe it as being sad, or mournful. So that's why naturalists have named them the Mourning Dove. They're light gray and brown, and have a small head and pointed tail. When Mourning Doves fly their wings make a whistling sound. This can help when you're trying to identify them. They're a very common bird. But still, their gentle cooing always seems to add something special to the soundscape. Like most birds the Mourning Dove sings to establish territory and to attract mates. Not because they're sad all the time!    A Mourning Dove singing at dusk. Thanks for lending an Ear to the Wild. I'm Jack Hines. For more information please visit EartotheWild.com!

  Red-winged Blackbirds have a strong and clear voice. Their songs and calls easily carry over water and across fields. The classic Red-winged Blackbird song sounds like they're singing "conk-la-ree, conk-la-ree."    Red-winged Blackbirds are commonly found in marshes and wetlands. They can be seen and heard in many parts of Sonoma County. This recording is from Ledson Marsh, in Annadel State Park. It was made in early Spring of 2008. Red-winged Blackbirds have a strong and clear voice. Their songs and calls easily carry over water and across fields. They also make a lot of different sounds. Males make one that’s known as an alarm whistle. And there's also a short "chack call" that both males and females make. But the classic Red-winged Blackbird song sounds like they're singing "conk-la-ree, conk-la-ree."    Red-winged Blackbirds singing conk-la-ree! Thanks for lending an ear to the wild. I'm Jack Hines. For more information please visit eartothewild.com!