On Sun, 26 Oct 1997, Joan Bergstrom wrote:

> I would like to get a small tape recorder to capture some of the sounds
> and songs of the smaller birds that I can hear but not see. I'd like to
> use it as a learning tool to bring home and compare to the Thayer's CD I
> use.
>
> However, I have no clue what would constitute a smaller recorder that
> would be effective. Also no clue regarding prices.
>
> I'm not gung ho on recording and playing back birdsound in the field.
> It seems all too invasive.
>
> Any Tweets who have used recorders of small size effectively to record?
> Would you share your experiences?
>
> Joan Bergstrom, Pocatello, Id

There are fine recorders that are walkman size - the limiting factor is
the microphone. If you just hold the tape recorder up so that the built
in microphone can pick up the bird sounds you will get terrible recordings
no matter how good the tape recorder.

The key to getting good bird recordings is to increase the volume of the
target bird call while decreasing the relative volume of the other noises
out there. There are two ways to do this: 1) convince the bird to perch
on your microphone, or 2) get a directional microphone, get as close to
the target bird as possible, and point the mike right at it.

The best "shotgun" type directional mikes are in the $500-100 range, but
you can find cheap, somewhat directional mikes for about 60 bucks that
will help a LOT over using the built in mike. Although they're not
precisely defined, look for the following terms. "Cardioid" is better than
"omnidirectional," "super-cardioid" is better than "cardioid," and
"shotgun" is better than "super-cardioid."

Again, if you want to go real cheap, spend your money on the mike and not
the tape recorder. The tape recorder won't make a noticeable difference,
the mike will. If you're going to spend big money, then and only then do
you need to think about the recorder.

If you want an overview of the options at the serious amateur and
professional level, check out Cornell's Bird Sound Recording Equipment
page:

http://www.ornith.cornell.edu/LNS/LNSEquipment/equipment.html

Good luck,

Chris Hill
Everett, WA
cehill at u.washington.edu