I don't take moments like this for granted these days, knowing how fast this species has declined in the Uk, this might even be the last time I see a pair holding a territory like this, which makes it even more of a magical recording for me. It's a simple song, but they are capable of a complex variety of different calls and song types, some of which you hear as the pair interact with each other before the male put on a good show for her. 

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

Willow Tit Pair Song - MixPre-7339

I never turn my dish away from these guys, they are so loud and that buttery smooth warble is just epic. I just wish they'd stay still!!

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

Nuthatch Song - MixPre-7335

Nice to get a different song type here that I've not actually heard before. Slightly lower pitch but but the first note in the phrase is lower pitch again. Over-all a slower tempo also, focusing on a smoother bend rather than pumping out high pitch phrases. 

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

Willow Tit Song Type 2 - MixPre-7374

Always nice to confirm a breeding pair as you're never too certain till you find a nest but these guys are hanging on in the same spot over the span of a few weeks now so pretty certain they're settled in. 

Gear: Sound Devices MixPre 6 ii - Telinga Dish With Schoeps Mk 2 inside + Schoeps Stereo Mk 2's outside 

Willow Tit Pair - MixPre-7512

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

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

Oosh, difficult to get close to these guys singing, I've always struggled as they always seem to see or hear me coming and drop straight down from the top of the tree to cover. Couldn't actually see this bird but think it worked in my favour lol. 

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

Mistle Thrush Song - MixPre-7629

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

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