I can't think of a better two notes to sing.. each note is so rich with a chunky body to it but lots of intricate high frequency detail ontop, it's one of my favourite little songs of spring. 

Gear: Sound Devices MixPre 6 ii - Telinga Dish W/Schoeps Mk 2's + Stereo Mk 2's 

Great Tit Song - MixPre-7524

Smallest bird in Britain and a dainty song but the forest is absolutely teaming with them. They're very successful species in Britain, pretty much anywhere there are trees, tall hedgerows or ivy. 

#Gear: Sound Devices MixPre 6 ii / Telinga Dish W/Schoeps Mk 4 + Stereo MK 2's 

Goldcrest Song - MixPre-7501

Their song is very similar to their Sparrowhawk alarm call, in fact whenever Blue Tits sing, every other species is on edge lol. Sadly yet another common bird that's in decline so I always take the opportunity when I get one to record this species every year. Never take anything for granted. 

Gear: Sound Devices MixPre 6 ii / Telinga Dish W/Schoeps Mk 2 + Stereo Mk 2's 

Blue Tit - MixPre7556

I'll always have a soft spot for Blackcap as they're fantastic mimickers and it really gives away whether you have a local bird or not. For example, I have a Blackcap on my local river that's very close to a Dipper nest and as a result, he mimics Dipper all day long, song and calls. This guy was in the middle of a forestry and it did have elements of Siskin,Chiffchaff and Crossbill in its song, so it's likely going to be a local. 

Gear: Sound Devices MixPre 6 ii / Telinga Dish w/Schoeps CCM 4 + Stereo Mk 2's 

Blackcap - MixPre-7577

A really lovely selection of sounds here, multiple layers just makes for an even more soothing experience. 

Gear: Sound Devices MixPre 6 ii + Schoeps Stereo Mk 2's 

Babbling Brook - MixPre7580

Nice to the these back in local clearfells, a sure sign that my Nightjar will soon be here too. Everything is early this year as we're having crazy heat for the time of year. -1c at night and 20c in the day time! that and we haven't had rain for almost 2 months...Not the April showers we are used to in the Uk at all. 

Gear: Sound Devices MixPre 6 ii / Telinga Dish W/Mk 4 +Stereo Mk 2's

Tree Pipit Song and Calls - MixPre-7641

When these guys arrive, I'm pretty sure they don't actually stop singing.... it's just non-stop till the females arrive and even then throughout the summer they just keep going and going. Got to give it to them, they're pretty hardy birds. 

Gear: Sound Devices MixPre 6 ii / Telinga dish w/Schoeps Mk 4 + Stereo Mk 2's

Willow Warbler - MixPre-7609

First time recording this species staying still for a change! they usually see me coming and dart off back down stream but this guy was too occupied in luring in a female. 

Gear: Sound Devices Mixpre 6 ii / Telinga Dish w/Schoeps Mk 4 + Stereo Mk 2's 

Grey Wagtail Stream S - MixPre-7653

Always difficult recording nocturnal subjects when you can't see them, especially with a parabolic dish that's super directional. I don't think I got it 'smack' on with this recording but I'm more gutted that the female wasn't present as prior to me getting the recording gear out, she was doing an epic bubbling call back to the male and it would have made such a nice recording but a car pulled up and she flew off...Till next time owls! 

Gear: Sound Devices MixPre ii / Telinga Dish w/Schoeps Mk 2 + Stereo Mk 2's 

Tawny Owl Male - MixPre-7664

This was an opportune moment rather than setting out for this species but given the circumstances I think it worked out quite well. 

Gear: Sound Devices MixPre 6 ii / Telinga Dish w/Schoeps CCM 4 + Stereo Mk 2's 

New tracks tagged #Schoeps