Here is a link to a discussion of the pros & cons of using minidisc
recorders: http://www.naturesongs.com/MiniDisc.html. The general consensus
is that compression has no affect on recordings used for playback in the
field. In addition, I have seen decent graphical analysis produced from
minidisc recordings, for example in this discussion of vocalizations of the
'western' Flycatcher complex:
http://owlnut.rr.ualberta.ca/~barb/sounds/WEFLVocalizations.html
(at least the Moscow recording was made by minidisc recorder).

For the DAT recorder and shotgun mike set ups recommended by Cornell you're
talking about big $$$. Really only for the professional or serious amateur
with money to spare (I'd rather spend that kind of money on a new scope,
binocs, digital camera, etc.).

thanks, Charles.
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Charles E. Swift
Moscow, Idaho
charless at moscow.com
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