Mysterious Marsh Birds of Yellowstone

I have always been fascinated by wetlands and the biodiversity they hold. So when I got a chance to spend an early morning recording the sounds of one in Yellowstone National Park, I jumped at it.

That morning in May 2018 started before first light as I hiked to a wetland that I scouted out the day before. I had an idea this was a good spot for listening, but I am always nervous the day of a recording because you never know what's actually going to happen. This morning did not disappoint.

I was greeted with all sorts of sounds I have rarely heard. It took me a while to piece them together, but I eventually got my bearings. As I sit and listened and watched, I also couldn't help but be a little nervous about what else might be moving in the bushes around me. In fact, I ended up hearing a pack of wolves way off in the distance, barely audible, but definitely there. There's was an excitement in my fear and axiety that made that morning all the more memorable.

This recording captures that experience in its entirety. Hopefully you're as impressed by the diversity of sounds coming from such a small wetland as I was, but I don't think you'll be disappointed. Be sure to listen closely for the wolves!

Habitat: Wetland/Sagebrush Flat

Species present: Gray Wolf, Sora, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Vesper Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, American Coot, Mallard, Sandhill Crane, Green-winged Teal, Canada Goose

Recording Length: 00:44:00

File size: mp3: 100.7 mb & Flac: 437 mb

Sampling Rate (kHz): 48

Bit Depth: mp3: 320 kbps & Flac: 1065 kbps

Recording Setup: Sennheiser 720 digital audio recorder & Audio Technica AT4022 omnidirectional microphones

Channels: Stereo

Recording type: Binaural

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