17th of July 2022.  Got out of bed at 2.55am, left for Ballinvally woods at 4.01am, arrived at 4.30am.    
Before going down to set up I went to see how much of the beehive sound could be heard from where I usually set up one lot of equipment, because when processing the previous days recordings, I thought the noise level was a bit high, but it occurred to me that it was not noise but rather it was the sound of the bees in the hives only a few metres away.  That hive is new and only appeared there a few weeks ago.  After this I went down to Set up the Tascam and the WA84’s at the edge of the Willow copse area opposite the farmhouse and set the gain at 52db.  Then I went over to the other side of the copse and set up the MixPre3 and the NT2A’s at the end of 30 meters of cable.  The morning sounds, I can’t call it a chorus, is very weak, mainly sounds, birdcalls and doves cooing, but I think very beautiful.  Stood about till I felt it was over.  It was beginning to look like one of my Rode NT2A’s was becoming faulty, but then I have had them for maybe 16 or 17 years, fantastic mics, with regard to humidity I have found them the best non-radio frequency mics, it has to be really awful damp air before they will even begin to give trouble, the NT1A’s are a bit sensitive to moisture in the air, these new Warm Audio mics are a bit sensitive to moisture in the air too.  So I was surprised that they gave trouble in such warm dry conditions.  Looks like I will have to buy a new pair of mics.   I was a fair while packing up all the gear, then I cut some branches to make a short-cut out to where I parked the car.  Left for home at 7.43am, home at 8.11am.  The weather was beautiful, mostly clear, mild, dry, and calm.   Recordings were made in Ballinvally woods north-west of Arklow, County Wicklow, Ireland.  Recording 3885.
MixPre3 and a pair of Rode NT2A‘s-set to Omni.

Dawn Chorus (1) 17 July 22 - 5.25am - Willow Copse Atmosphere

A cabinetmaker by trade.  I have been recording birds for over 40 years.  Even as a seven year old I loved to hear the sound of birds. 
I believe that birdsong is a perfect reflection of the natural environment and yet a part of the experience of the environment.  
Over the years I have made some wildlife films and videos.  For wildlife recording I have been around Ireland, Wales, Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Belize, Guyana, Brazil, Peru and Costa Rica. At the moment I have 26 albums of birdsong/nature, most of which can be found here for free download in high quality F.L.A.C. format.
  
Birdsong is Spiritual Medicine,
a Natural Treasure 
and a Companion to Silence.

Dawn Chorus (1) 17 July 22 - 5.25am - Willow Copse Atmosphere

Fintan O'Brien