Songbirding
Episodes
Nocturnal Nature
29 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Each year I attempt to put together a new episode for the Halloween season, but as you might be aware, finding owls is in itself a time consuming effo...
Notes and Key for "Nocturnal Nature" Special
29 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the notes and sound keys for the Nocturnal Nature soundscape special episode.
S5E13 - Two Short Hikes
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the last evening before I head back home, and I won’t be back again until late August. After this evening with the Brown Creepers, I’ll hav...
S5E12 - Scugog Lake
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the last night before I leave, and I’m hiking along Scuggog Lake near Johnston Harbour to retrieve my bioacoustic recorders. I’ve come acro...
S5E11 - Pine Tree Point North, Part 3
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve reached about as far as I’d like to travel today at Pine Tree Point, so I’m stopping and listening to Swainson’s Thrushes, Myrtle Warbler...
S5E10 - Pine Tree Point North, Part 2
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I’m continuing my hike along the main trail in the north section of Pine Tree Point, and retrieving some of my bioacoustic equipment along the way. ...
S5E9 - Pine Tree Point North, Part 1
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a warm afternoon in early summer, and I’ve returned to the north end of the Pine Tree Point reserve. My plan is to hike in as far as I feel c...
S5E8 - Season 5 Birdsong Soundscapes & Quiz #1
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this season of Songbirding, we’ve heard a number of species, some multiple times. Long ago I did some end-of-season birdsong identification quizz...
S5E7 - Jack Pine Alvar, Part 3
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the return hike, we encounter both Winter Wren and Nashville Warblers. Youtube Video of the Nashville Warbler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIOc...
S5E6 - Jack Pine Alvar, Part 2
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue through the Jack Pine alvar, Swainson's Thrush present us with their spiralling, flute-like tones. Credits Songbirding was recorded, en...
S5E5 - Jack Pine Alvar, Part 1
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The lands surrounding Johnson Harbour are primarily alvar: rocky ground, with very little soil. Many sections contain a lot of Jack Pine as well, maki...
S5E4 - Red-eyed Vireo Chorus
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Early morning in my campsite, I hit record as the birds wake (me) up. Credits Songbirding was recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter...
S5E3 - The Wind & the Warblers
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s one day later, and after a big wind storm in the morning, I’m out visiting a rarely visited nature sanctuary adjacent to the National Park. W...
S5E2 - Solstice in the Quietude, Part 2
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At the end of the day, we listen to the last songs of the summer solstice of 2021 in Johnston Harbour, Ontario. Additional recommended listening: http...
S5E1 - Solstice in the Quietude, Part 1
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's late afternoon during the summer solstice of 2021, a time of the day when the birds are singing at a slower, more relaxed pace in the quiet sound...
Livestream Special from twitch.tv/songbirder
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some sample recordings from an in-the-field livestream this past April. See https://songbirding.com/live for more info, or if you're already a Twitch ...
S4E38 - Evensong
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At sunset in some locations, an auditory compliment to the dawn chorus occurs. Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey Credits Recorded, engi...
S4E37 - Dawn Chorus in Cootes Paradise
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At sunrise in Cootes Paradise, the dawn chorus can overwhelm all the sounds of the city. Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey Credits Recor...
S4E36 - Valens Lake in June
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In June of 2021 I returned to Valens Lake, during the height of breeding season. Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey Credits Recorded, eng...
S4E35 - Rain Chorus at Valens Lake
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After a heavy rain, many bird species will sing to re-establish territory as if it's a new day. Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey Credit...
Merlin App Sound ID Special
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For this episode we'll be testing out the Merlin app to see how it fares against birding by ear. More about Merlin: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ ...
S4E34 - Spring Awakenings
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frogs are also known to establish territory using calls and songs. This morning we'll be taking a walk through the Beverly Swamp, listening for spring...
S4E33 - An Evening With Chorus Frogs
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frogs are also known to establish territory using calls and songs. Tonight we'll be taking dusk spring walk through the Vinemount Swamp, and will hear...
S4E32 - Cerulean Warbler
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m in the Dundas Valley, just below the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton Ontario, one of the largest remaining Carolinian Forests in the region...
S4E31 - White-throated Sparrow
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A summer's day at Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve in Flamborough, Ontario. Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey Credits Recorded, engine...
S4E30 - Song Sparrow
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A return back to Hayesland Sanctuary, where a couple Song Sparrows are vying for territory. Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey Credits Re...
S4E29 - Birding in Chest Waders
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Some songbird territories are a bit more difficult to access... Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated...
2021-22 Christmas Bird Count Special
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded on December 30, 2021 during the 1st Flamborough Christmas Bird Count, at Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve in Puslinch, Ontario. Credits Rec...
Serenades: American Redstart
25 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For the holidays I'm releasing a sample episode of Songbirding Serenades, normally a Patreon exclusive. Enjoy! The American Redstart is a cheery, frie...
Songbirding Monthly: December 2021
25 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For the holidays I'm releasing a bonus sample of Songbirding Monthly, normally a Patreon exclusive. This month's episode was recorded at Taquanyah Con...
S4E28 - Early Spring Songs
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today we visit Cootes Paradise in mid-March, and hear Red-winged Blackbirds, in addition to a number of other species. Listener survey: https://songbi...
S4E27 - A Loudness of Trumpeter Swans
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Every winter, the Trumpeter Swans return to their "territory" at LaSalle Park in Burlington, Ontario. Listener survey: https://songbirding.com/survey ...
S4E26 - A Flurry of Snow Buntings
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From late October through March, Snow Buntings follow the snowfall south. In this recording, a flock of a few hundred in Haldimand County, Ontario is ...
S4E25 - In the Barn
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Barn Swallows, House Sparrows, and domestic fowl have some very different sounding territories. This unique episode is a soundscape of a barn in Carlu...
Chorus of the Night
28 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Common True Katydids, Chorus Frogs, grasshoppers, crickets, and Eastern Screech-Owls are featured in this Hallowe'en Special. Article: "The Proper Use...
S4E24 - Short Walks, Part 3
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
(conclusion) Three short walks that explore Vinemount Swamp & Vinemount Meadows in Saltfleet Twp east of Hamilton, and Crane Lake in the Bruce Pen...
S4E23 - Short Walks, Part 2
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Baltimore Orioles and Northern Flickers around Fifty Point Conservation area in Grimsby, Ontario, and Hooded Warblers and Acadian Flycatchers at the F...
S4E22 - Short Walks, Part 1
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Blue Jays and warblers abound at Alvar Bay Nature Preserve, in the Bruce Peninsula; and orioles, cuckoos, warblers, vireos and more fill the soundscap...
Autumn Migration Special
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
While there may not be a lot of song, birds make plenty of identifiable sounds in the autumn. Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Ro...
S4E21 - Nassagaweya-Esquesing Townline, Part 3
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the return walk, American Kestrel, Hooded Warbler, and more are encountered. Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Song...
S4E20 - Nassagaweya-Esquesing Townline, Part 2
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Transitioning from quarry to forest, Yellow-throated Vireos, American Redstarts, a Blue-winged Warbler and more are found. Credits Recorded, engineere...
S4E19 - Nassagaweya-Esquesing Townline, Part 1
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's an unusual trail: an old road running between two operating quarries, but it is loaded with interesting birdsongs. Credits Recorded, engineered, ...
S4E18 - Robertson Tract
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Returning to the Halton Forest, a mix of warblers and a curious marsh bird are found. Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter...
S4E17 - Meister Tract
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Pine Warblers abound at this small conservation reserve near Cambridge, Ontario. Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Son...
S4E16 - House Wren
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
These small brown birds have a big warbling song! Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Songbirding Cover Art (Blackburnia...
S4E15 - Blue-winged Warbler
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Beeeee-buzzzzz. That's what the "respiratory" song of the Blue-winged Warbler sounds like. The Casual Birder Podcast I'd like to congratulate to Suzy ...
S4E14 - Bobolinks
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Bobolink has a unique song... Listeners with high-frequency hearing loss can find a modified version by searching for "Songbirding Under 5KHz". Th...
S4E13 - The Beverly Swamp, Part 2
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing along the Lafarge Trail, Veeries, Black-and-white Warblers, and more are found. Listeners with high-frequency hearing loss can find a modif...
Dawn Chorus Special, Part 2
22 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Part two of the 7th Annual Dawn Chorus event, hosted by Toronto’s High Park Nature Centre.
S4E12 - The Beverly Swamp, Part 1
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Beverly Swamp is a 57 hundred acre wetland that is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including many that are rare to the region. ...
Dawn Chorus Special, Part 1
08 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This soundscape contains the following species: Blue Jay, American Robin, European Starling, Carolina Wren, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Ruby...
S4E11 - A May Snow
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Snow in May is fairly rare; several days of it even more so! In spite of it all, the birds still sing... Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and cr...
S4E10 - Veery
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
During one last trip through Spooky Hollow, the descending tones of the Veery are heard amongst the diverse species of birds present here. Credits Rec...
S4E9 - One week later...
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A return to Spooky Hollow demonstrates how different a space can sound on another day, even only a week later. Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated ...
S4E8 - Spooky Hollow
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
South of the town of Simcoe, Ontario within the Norfolk Sand Plain is the Spooky Hollow Nature Sanctuary; a mature Carolinian hardwood forest acquired...
S4E7 - Variations on a Black-throated Blue Warbler
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
At Allan Park Conservation Area, a curious Black-throated Blue Warbler is found. Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Son...
S4E6 - Backus Woods
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In south-western Ontario's Norfolk County lies an incredible natural oasis known as Backus Woods. Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created b...
S4E5 - Hooded Warblers
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing the walk through the Halton Forest leads to Brown Creepers, Red-eyed Vireos, and more Hooded Warblers. Credits Recorded, engineered, narrat...
S4E4 - The Halton Forest
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are very few large, continuous forests in southern Ontario. The Halton Regional Forest is one of those few, over 1700 acres of reserved tracts t...
S4E3 - Sparrows of the Prairie
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Its buzz may not seem very songful, but the Clay-coloured Sparrow is a songbird. This prairie species has been expanding its range eastward in recent ...
S4E2 - Canada Warbler
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Canada Warbler is a colourful, energetic little bird that spends only a few weeks on its territory. It is one of the last warblers to arrive, and ...
S4E1 - The Huron Fringe
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's late May and I'm out looking for birds along the Huron Fringe -- an area on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes of North Amer...
First Birds of 2021
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's a new year, which means the start of a new "year list". Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and created by Rob Porter. Songbirding Cover Art (...
A Winter Finch Special
16 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The winter of 2020-2021 is gearing up to be an important season for winter finches. In this special, the sounds of the various kinds of winter finches...
S3E25 - Long Point
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There are a number of migration hotspots along the north shore of Lake Erie in Ontario. One of those is Long Point Provincial Park. In this unpreceden...
S3E24 - Tennessee Warblers
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There's a short window of a couple weeks per year when one can hear the song of the Tennessee Warbler in Southern Ontario, and on this May morning at ...
S3E23 - South Shore of Cootes Paradise
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In between the cities of Hamilton and Burlington lies the urban nature sanctuary of Cootes Paradise, a haven for both breeding and migrating bird spec...
The Owl-o-ween Special
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
🎃🦉🦉🎃 A dusk walk amongst some Great Horned Owls.. and some other creatures of the night! Credits Recorded, engineered, narrated and create...
S3E22 - Black-and-white Warblers
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Huge swarms of insects might send some birders running away, but insects make great food for many warblers, like the Black-and-white Warbler. For thos...
S3E21 - Woodland Cemetery, Part 2
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A morning of rich spring birdsong, this time at the Woodland Cemetery in Burlington, Ontario. Part 2 of 2. For those with high-frequency hearing loss,...
How To: Recording Nature Sounds (International Podcast Month Episode 2)
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
(For International Podcast Month) What are the challenges of recording a podcast in natural spaces? Join "Songbirding" host Rob Porter on a hike while...
PRRP Goes Songbirding (International Podcast Month Episode 1)
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Special episode for International Podcast Month. Kenneth Eckle, host of PRRP, goes birding. About PRRP aka Podcast Reviews Reviews Podcast: On this po...
S3E20 - Woodland Cemetery, Part 1
21 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A morning of rich spring birdsong, this time at the Woodland Cemetery in Burlington, Ontario. Part 1 of 2. For those with high-frequency hearing loss,...
Fall Migration at Petrel Point
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The autumn migration is not a great time for hearing full birdsongs, but birding-by-ear is still possible, and useful to help you find all kinds of mi...
S3E19 - Cape May Warblers
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Cape May Warbler is a species those of us in southern Ontario get to hear singing once a year, during spring migration. For those with high-freque...
In Conversation: #Hike4Birds
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A hike & conversation with Sonya Richmond and Sean Morton about #Hike4Birds, their cross-Canada journey. Read more about them at http://comewalkwi...
S3E18 - Killdeer! Killdeer!
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Killdeer is one of the most vocal bird species in North America. It may not technically be a songbird, but it will not go anywhere unheard. For th...
S3E17 - Sundry Songs
10 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring the Fifty Point Conservation Area more thoroughly bring sundry songs of Baltimore Orioles, Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, Chipping Sparrows, and mo...
Learning Birding During COVID-19
27 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A review of resources for new birders, especially during COVID-19, with a teaser bonus at the end. Also, please note the podcast will be bi-weekly for...
S3E16 - Fallout
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Due to some unusual weather events this year, there were a couple occasions for a "fallout" event locally at the Fifty Point Conservation Area. For th...
Soundscape Bonus: Song of the Mourning Warbler
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
More Season 3 episodes coming soon. In the meantime, here's a soundscape of a Mourning Warbler, and a few other species, recorded on June 6, 2020 at t...
S3E15 - Songbirding in the Rain
06 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A near two-week pause on seasonable weather has lead to a heavily backlogged spring migration. The first day of moderate temperatures brought with it ...
S3E14 - Waterdown Wetlands
29 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
House Wren, Blue-grey Gnatcatchers, Pine Warblers, Northern Parula, Blue-headed Vireos and more have flooded into the Waterdown Wetlands in this first...
S3E13 - Overnight Arrivals
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In migration season, a park's bird population can change dramatically overnight. For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively dow...
S3E12 - First Warblers
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It's the first of May, and the first warblers are beginning to pass through for spring migration. The early days of warbler migration are a good chanc...
Songbirds of Hamilton 2: McMaster Forest Virtual Field Event
13 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
(Bonus) In lieu of an in person field event I was scheduled to lead around Hamilton, Ontario in June 2020, here's a short virtual tour of one of the l...
S3E11 - Ruby-crowned Kinglets
08 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ruby-crowned Kinglets are a tiny, fast bird that is often only captured as a blur on any given birder's camera. Here its song has been captured, while...
Songbirds of Hamilton 1: Beverly Swamp CA Virtual Field Event
06 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
(Bonus) In lieu of an in person field event I was scheduled to lead around Hamilton, Ontario in June 2020, here's a short virtual tour of one of the l...
S3E10 - A Slyness of Fox Sparrows
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Fox Sparrow spends only a little while passing through the Great Lakes region during spring migration, so time is of the essence to record this wh...
S3E9 - Sapsuckers & Chorus Frogs
25 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In Hamilton, the best times to see an hear Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers is a brief window of time in both spring an autumn. Their spring visits also over...
S3E8 - Rusty Blackbirds
18 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Spring migration is the best time to see and listen to Rusty Blackbirds outside of their breeding range. For those with high-frequency hearing loss, y...
S3E7 - Backyard Birdsongs
11 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The backyard in spring can be full of birdsong. For those with high-frequency hearing loss, you may alternatively download to "Songbirding Under 5kHz"...
S3E6 - Evening Meadow Sounds
07 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An evening walk through captures the sounds of nature winding down. Chorus Frogs, Eastern Meadowlark, American Robin, and flocks of Ring-billed Gulls ...
S3E5 - Morning Meadow Songs
04 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The meadows are again full of melodies -- this time a mix of Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Tree Swallow, Eastern Towhee, and more. F...
S3E4 - Eastern Meadowlark Melodies
27 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The meadows are full of melodies -- the songs of the Eastern Meadowlark. At the Vinemount Meadows Nature Sanctuary this species, Common Raven, Song Sp...
S3E3 - Lek-side with the American Woodcock
20 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
PEENT! The ridiculous territorial calls and displays of the American Woodcock are featured in this evening out in mid-March. For those with high-frequ...
S3E2 - Signs of Spring
16 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Songs of the Red-winged Blackbird flocks is one of our local signs of spring. Along the Spencer Creek this species, Canada Goose, Black-capped Chickad...
S3E1 - The Mockingbirds of Bayfront Park
13 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Spring is coming, and the Northern Mockingbirds of Bayfront Park in Hamilton, Ontario are getting ready. For those with high-frequency hearing loss, y...
S2E11 - Fall Migration (it really does start in August...)
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Season Finale. Season 3 coming soon! It may only be the end of August, but what is generally referred to as the fall migration has started in earnest....
S2E10 - Songs in the Swamp
06 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As August advances, birdsong becomes more sparse. A walk along the Dofasco Trail then to the Vinemount Swamp shows a great diversity of species, just ...