The European fire-bellied toad is, in fact, a frog. (No fire, either.) However, this is more than compensated by its satisfyingly fun-to-say Latin name: Bombina bombina. They also produce antimicrobial peptides in their skin secretions – the even more fun-to-say ‘bombinins’. 

Native to eastern mainland Europe – recorded here in the protected land of Poland’s Barycz Valley Landscape Park – they use their internal vocal sacs to produce their “whoop” call: the mournful, slow-motion honk immortalized here. Imagine the sound that clowns might make when they cry and you won’t be far off.

Bombina bombina mysterious call

The swan song is a metaphorical phrase for a final gesture, effort, or performance given just before death or retirement.
The phrase refers to an ancient belief that swans sing a beautiful song just before their death since they have been silent for most of their lifetime.
Let’s listen to the touching song of the whooper swan recorded at sunrise over the Jamnik pond in the Barycz Valley.

Swan song at sunrise

Bird migration flyways over Poland are complex, since three large migration routes intersect here: the Atlantic flyway (a significant migration corridor along the coast), the Alpine flyway, and the Middle Eastern flyway. For this reason, significant numbers of common cranes – around 10,000 individuals – can be found at Milicz Fishponds Nature Reserve during the spring and autumn migrations.

In this recording, the trumpeting of cranes ebbs in and out of hearing as the migrating birds pass overhead, against a foreground of twittering songbirds. As the soundscape plays out, the cranes’ honking clamor, though initially not dissimilar from the calls of common geese, becomes akin to a particularly avant garde (but strangely compulsive) symphony for brass.

Flock of cranes

On May 20, Polish meteorologists had issued a 1st & 2nd storm warning for the low-pressure area "Emmelinde". 

Thunderstorm ambience was recorded in Bystrzyca Valley Landscape Park (Dolina Bystrzycy) on the night from Friday to Saturday. Violent storms with heavy rain and gusts of up to 85 km/h, and locally 100 km/h, hit the Poland. 

Low-pressure areas are places where the atmosphere is relatively thin. Low-pressure areas are known for their ability to generate well-organized storms, and this was no exception. The winds blew inward, causing air to rise and producing condensation that formed into towering clouds. It was a natural spectacle that was both awe-inspiring and humbling, a reminder of the raw power of Mother Nature.

Emmelinde low-preasure area hits Poland

The Golden Oriole is a masterful vocalist of the avian world, known for its ability to produce an incredible range of sounds that are both melodious and full-bodied. Its voice is a joy to listen to, and many bird enthusiasts consider it to be one of the most beautiful bird songs in existence. The Golden Oriole's singing is characterized by a rich and pleasant tone that is sure to captivate the listener's attention.

However, the bird's contact call is a surprise to many. Unlike its singing voice, the Golden Oriole's contact call is a forced and drawn-out "weeackt" that is slightly reminiscent of the call of a Jay, but less harsh and much more nasal. It is a curious sound that is somewhat jarring, especially when compared to the bird's beautiful singing voice.

Golden oriole contact call

This is a field recording session in the abandoned Riese tunnels in Jugowice (Jawornik), a region in the Owl Mountains (Góry Sowie) where the Nazi Germany conducted one of the most mysterious construction projects of World War II. The project, known as Project Riese or "Giant," was a massive, top-secret underground complex with an unknown purpose, whether it was quarters for the Supreme Command of the Third Reich, an underground laboratory, or a factory for constructing atomic bombs. The construction of the project used forced laborers from the Gross-Rosen concentration camp, most of them Jews, who endured inhumane conditions and hard work with almost no food. The complex in Jugowice consists of tunnels number 2 and 4 leading to a small underground level, with the rest of the tunnels in the initial stage of construction. Above ground, there are foundations of buildings, machinery, a pumping station, and a reservoir of water. Between 500 and 700 concentration camp prisoners lived in five barracks, and they were liberated in May 1945.

Nazi tunnels (RIESE Jawornik Jugowice)

"Ługa makes an irresistible impression of a truly natural landscape on every visitor. To some extent, it can be classified as the primary type, indicating what the Barycz Valley might have looked like in the past, before man settled on this land and civilization developed. There is no road through this neighborhood. You can cross Ługa only on the heights of the terrain, which is known only to a forester and - as the saying goes - a few poachers and fish thieves. Any visitor should not undertake a journey into the depths of this temple of nature on his own, without a guide, as such a risk can easily cost his life. (…) Due to its peculiar beauty, rarely found in the whole of Germany, Ługa was declared a nature reserve that is effectively protected due to its inaccessibility. Only after obtaining a special permit, under the guidance of foresters on a flat-bottomed canoe, I was able to make a trip into the quagmire. Our canoe penetrated Ługa along water routes leading between wide belts of shrubs and trees; with each meter it got deeper, and the intruders were amazed by the fabulous beauty of this piece of land. Whoever wished to visit Ługa at least once in his life remained under her spell for a long time and recalled the impressions she had made on him. In a mosaic of water and land, trees and shrubs, perennials and small plants, nature reveals its artistry that cannot be surpassed by any artistic creativity."  
Richard Nitschke, „Die Luge", Schlesische Monatshefte VIII, Breslau 1931

Die Luge - Retrospective Soundscape Reconstruction

The greylag goose (Anser anser) is a large bird species that is known for its loud and distinctive cackling call. This call is often compared to that of the domestic goose and is described as "aahng-ung-ung". The call can be heard both when the bird is on the ground and during flight.

Interestingly, there are subtle variations of the call that are used in different circumstances. For example, geese may use a different variation of the call when they are agitated or when they feel threatened. These variations can convey different meanings to other geese and are important for communication within the flock.

Another interesting aspect of the greylag goose's call is that individual birds are able to recognize and identify other geese by their voices. This ability to identify other birds by their calls is thought to be important for maintaining social bonds within the flock. It may also help to prevent mating between closely related birds, which could lead to inbreeding and genetic problems within the population.

Overall, the greylag goose's call is an important aspect of its behavior and plays a crucial role in communication and social interactions within the flock.

Anser anser greylag goose call

Do you mind windy days? As long as you're not dealing with a tornado or a hurricane, a nice breeze on a hot day can be refreshing. Windy days are also perfect for flying kites.

One of the unique things about wind is that you can't really see it. Sure, you can see the effect it has on objects, but you can't really see the wind itself.

Think about it. How do you know it's windy outside? If you gaze out the window, you might notice a flag waving or tree branches swaying. These things are being moved by the wind, but you still can't see the wind itself.

If you listen carefully, though, you might be able to hear the wind. Depending upon the speed of the wind and the objects it's passing through, around, or over, the wind can cause a wide variety of sounds, from the soft rustling of leaves and the delicate notes of wind chimes to the "whoosh" of a stiff breeze and the loud whistle of storm winds approaching.

How does wind make all those different sounds? To get to the bottom of this mystery, we need to remember exactly what sounds are. The sounds we hear are actually pressure waves that travel through the air to our ears, where they are converted into electric signals that our brains interpret as sounds.

You can think of sounds as vibrations that move through the air and make your ear drums vibrate at frequencies that your brain can decode as particular sounds. Since sounds move easily through the air, it's easy to see how wind can produce so many different sounds.

Take trees, for example. They're like natural instruments for the wind to play. As the wind passes through and around their branches and leaves, they cause those objects to move back and forth. This movement creates vibrations in the air, known as longitudinal pressure waves, which can travel to your ears as soft rustling or louder whooshing sounds.

As wind picks up speed, it can cause objects to vibrate even faster. The faster an object vibrates, the higher the pitch will be of the sound created. This is why you may hear the wind create a high-pitched whistling sound when it passes by certain objects.

When you think of the wind passing by all sorts of objects on the face of the Earth, there's virtually no limit to the range of sounds it can create. The next time you're outside on a windy day, take some time to listen closely to the sounds the wind makes. You never know what you'll hear!

Binaural windworx - hear the complex geophony of the wind

The tawny owl is known for its haunting calls, which are often heard at night. Its primary call is a "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo" sound, with each note lasting about a second. The male and female owls often call together in a duet, with the male starting with a "hoo" and the female responding with a higher-pitched "wit". In addition to these calls, the tawny owl also makes a variety of other sounds, including hisses, screeches, and bill snaps. These sounds can be used to communicate with other owls, defend territory, and even intimidate potential predators.

Tawny Owl male call

European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis / Yaffle / Dzięcioł zielony) is a beautiful bird whose laughing call, known as yaffling,  often resounds through the forest.
European Green Woodpecker's typical call is a laughing "klew-klew-klew-klew…" accelerating towards the end. The loud call of the male carries a great distance. The female's call is less hard.
We can also hear some "kyack", "kewk" or "kuk", singly or in loose series.
The bird gives a rapid shrill "kyu kyu kyu kyuk" when excited.
Drumming is less frequent than in other woodpeckers' species and lasts about one second. It is extremely shy, and more often heard than seen. 

European Green Woodpecker can be seen alone, in pairs or in family groups, when the young follow their parents after leaving the nest. 
In spring, some courtship displays can be observed. Both mates perform aerial chases. Male feeds female during this period, and before copulation.
In other displays, crown and nape feathers are erected, head extended and bill pointed upwards or forwards at the intruder in territorial defence. Tail is spread and wings are often dropped while the male performs swinging movements of head and body. Usually, they do lateral movements while the bill describes circles or "8". 
This behaviour is performed when male and female meet, but also in aggressive displays with rivals. Some aerial displays with various figures occur only between mates.

European Green Woodpecker is common in its range. It is vulnerable to deforestation and changes in the habitat. However, this species is not globally threatened at this moment. There are also many folk tales of green woodpeckers defying God's commandments.

Green Woodpecker call

Roe deer bark at certain times of the year and there are perfectly understandable reasons why it is heard more from spring through to well after the rut. The wood is already reverberating to the sound but in the next few weeks the woodland is going to come alive with it. Barking is obviously a communication of some sort but who and what are they communicating with and why?

The alarm sound of roe deer tends to be a series of rapid barks with the first usually more prolonged than following barks. If I am trying to imitate a roe deer bark, for want of a better word I use ‘bouffff’.

The ‘B’ is produced as a guttural sound from the throat, and the ‘ffff’ is pronounced without fully closing the lips, as you would when pronouncing a fully elongated ‘ffff’.

Suspicious response is the single bark I hear when moving through a wood and is invariably a response to the deer being suspicious of something that it has not identified. It may be an incoming challenger, male or female.

Females are very territorial, both when they have young and during the rut. It could, of course, be a male challenger to a buck’s territory and this bark can be loud and gruff. The bark lets the other know that he is moving into dangerous ground and often the bark is enough to persuade him to move off. If that doesn’t work, then — as my colleague observed — the deer will approach one step at a time, pausing in between to give a single (bouf) bark. They move their head up, down and sideways to try to see what is confronting them until they either meet the opponent — and a fight may occur — or they are lucky enough to come across someone like my colleague, in which case they will run off, giving the alert bark.

This can go on for an interminable length of time. The suspicious response is the bark I will often imitate, trying to time it so that I persuade a buck closer and get a glimpse of what we have approaching.

It is almost impossible to tell if a bark is from a doe or a buck; mature does can sound very similar.

When calling bucks it is often the doe that will come rushing in, barking at regular intervals to chase the floozie away from her beau. They can be very aggressive, running right up to you as you call. She can’t be blamed for that as we are, after all, trying to imitate a doe calling for a buck.

The doe will also give the alarm bark if we get too close to her kids, who have either been given a command to stay put or instinctively do so. The doe will run away, often making sure you see her to distract you away from the youngsters. She may also stay off at a distance giving regular intermittent barks to keep you interested in her. Lapwings do something similar in that they will often feign a broken wing to distract predators away from the nest.

Roe females will also make a variety of whistles or squeaks to communicate with their young. I recently saw a young deer, born last year, being chased by a mature buck and she was giving off repetitive high-pitched squeaks. She was voicing the call she would have used to call her mother for help but, alas, mother had pushed her out.

As this year’s kids are about to be born, the young lady will have to learn that mum is no longer there for her.

Recording took place in the vicinity of Milicz Ponds in Barycz Valley (Stawy Milickie / Sarni Rów / Dolina Baryczy)

Roe deer barking sound

The red deer rut  is a magnificent display of nature's power and grace, and it is a sight to behold. The red deer, also known as the "king of the forest," unleashes its thunderous roar, reverberating throughout the surrounding woodland. During this time, the males become highly aggressive and territorial, as they compete for the attention of the females. The stags will engage in fierce battles, clashing antlers and pushing each other to the limit. It's not uncommon to see them emerge from the forest covered in mud, with their antlers entangled. These battles can last for hours, with the strongest and most dominant males winning the right to mate.

But the rutting season is not just about aggression and competition. The red deer also display some fascinating courtship behaviors. The males will emit a series of deep roars, which can be heard from miles away. These roars are meant to intimidate other males and to attract females. The females, in turn, will respond to the calls of the males, often approaching the stags and showing off their receptiveness.

The Barycz Valley (Dolina Baryczy), located in western Poland, is one of the areas where red deer are commonly found. This vast valley is characterized by a mosaic of wetlands, meadows, and forests, making it an ideal habitat for these majestic animals. The Milicz Ponds, also known as Stawy Milickie, are located in the heart of the Barycz Valley and are a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

If you're lucky enough to be in the Barycz Valley during the rutting season, you will witness a spectacle that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. The forest comes alive with the sounds of red deer roaring and battling, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. So, take a moment to immerse yourself in the beauty and power of nature, and witness the red deer rut in all its glory.

DPA 4060 Dummyhead - epic binaural recording of deer rut

The White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla / Erne / Bielik) is the king of the skies in Poland and the largest predatory bird in the country. Its image is featured on the coat of arms of Poland, making it worth learning more about. It is important to note that, although often mistaken for an eagle, the White-tailed Eagle does not belong to the Aquila and Hieraaetus genera but rather to the Accipitridae family.

The White-tailed Eagle was legally protected in Poland in 1952 and is now a strictly protected species. It is included in the Polish Red Book of Animals and Annex I of the Birds Directive. The location of their nests is kept secret, and there is a protected zone around the nests. Throughout the year, the zone extends up to 200 meters from the nest, and from January 1 to July 31, it extends up to 500 meters. At the beginning of the 20th century, the White-tailed Eagle was on the brink of extinction in Poland. Since then, its population has been steadily increasing, and it is estimated that there are now 1-1.4 thousand pairs of this species in the country.

The White-tailed Eagle's vocal repertoire is rich and varied. During the breeding season, their vocalizations are particularly loud, though some authors describe their sounds as not particularly loud for such large birds. The male's call is often written as gri-gri-gri or krik-krik-krik, while the females emit a deeper gra-gra-gra-gra or krau-krau-krau-krau call. This call gradually increases in tempo and tonality, with the entire sequence consisting of 15-30 individual sounds.

Paired White-tailed Eagles often call out together, whether in flight or from a branch. A sitting male emits the call kyi-kyi-kyi-kli-kliek-yak, with his head tilted backwards or upwards, and the call ends in a lower ko-ko-ko. Females emit a similar call to the males, but it is deeper, krau-krau-krau-uik-ik. Generally, calls made by sitting birds are higher and more piercing than those made by flying birds.
During courtship, the male calls out krau-krau-krau-uik-ik-ik, and the female responds with a lower ra-rak-rak-rak-rak. Young birds in the nest emit a piercing piieh-piieh call, and when the female receives food from the male, she responds with tszie-tszie or wueee-wueee. Single or repeated krlee calls are used in various situations, while the warning call is usually 3 or 4 short klee or klek notes. Sometimes, White-tailed Eagles alarm or express their displeasure with a deep gah-gah-gah or jok-jok-jok call, similar to the sound of large seagulls. This call is also used when other animals, including humans, approach their nest. When hungry, young birds emit a monotonous weee-weee call. If they do not receive food or care in time, their calls become more intense.

In this recording, we can hear the calls of the White-tailed Eagle in the Sarni Rów nature reserve in Stawy Milickie, Poland. During the recording, a hunt broke out, disturbing the peace of the White-tailed Eagles and causing them to issue warning cries. It's a poignant reminder that even the mightiest of creatures can be vulnerable when their home is threatened.

It's deeply concerning that such disturbances occur in a protected reserve, where the natural soundscape should be left untouched. The impact of human activity on this fragile ecosystem is evident, and it serves as a sobering reminder of the need to respect and protect our natural world. Despite the challenges faced by these magnificent birds, their calls continue to inspire and awe those who hear them. The haunting sound of the White-tailed Eagle cry is a testament to the untamed spirit of Poland's wilderness, a reminder that nature is a force to be reckoned with, and that we must do all we can to protect it.

White-tailed eagle call

The Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), also known as the Dabchick (Perkozek zwyczajny in Polish), is a species of grebe found in Europe. It is the smallest among the grebes and is known for its unique behaviors and vocalizations.

In Poland, the Little Grebe can be found in various water habitats, including the renowned Barycz Valley (Dolina Baryczy). This region, situated in southwestern Poland, is characterized by a network of rivers, wetlands, and oxbow lakes that provide an ideal environment for the Little Grebe's habitat. The Barycz Valley, with its rich biodiversity and diverse aquatic ecosystems, serves as an important breeding and foraging ground for this charming bird species. The species' excellent diving skills are particularly advantageous in these habitats, allowing it to search for and capture small fish, insects, and aquatic invertebrates with precision.

During the breeding season, the Little Grebes engage in captivating courtship displays. They perform their characteristic duets of long tittering trills, displaying their synchronized vocalizations. The precise coordination of trills between the male and female creates a mesmerizing spectacle and plays a vital role in pair bonding and territorial communication.

In territorial disputes, the Little Grebes employ a distinct long trill, often emitted by only one of the individuals involved. This unique trill, with its single frequency band and slightly lower pitch, serves as a defensive vocalization. It differs from the courtship trills, which consist of several harmonics of similar strength and appear as multiple frequency curves in sonograms.

Furthermore, the Little Grebes can also be observed engaging in nocturnal territorial flights, where they perform their trills while flying over their territories. These flights, accompanied by their characteristic calls, add to the enigmatic nature of these birds. The nocturnal territorial flights of the Little Grebes occasionally resemble genuine migration flights, blurring the boundaries between territorial behavior and migration patterns.

The presence of the Little Grebe in the Barycz Valley contributes to the region's rich avian diversity. Observing the unique behaviors and vocalizations of these delightful birds in their natural habitat offers an extraordinary experience for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Little Grebe bird call

I am an acoustic ecologist and field recording artist. My mission is to point out the increasing noise pollution in acoustic sensitive areas and to archive changes in sonic environments.

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