Robin Singing at Dusk by Lang Elliott – Music of Nature published on 2016-11-16T21:02:33Z ROBIN SINGING AT DUSK: Robin & Spring Peepers sounding off at dusk. Recorded 25 May 1994, in northern Minnesota. © Ted Mack and Lang Elliott. Microphone: quasi-binaural SASS (Stereo Ambient Sampling System) modified for use with Sennheiser MKH20 mics. SEARCHING MY COLLECTION for unused soundscapes, I came across this jewel: a lone robin singing at dusk with spring peepers chorusing in the background. This is a zen-infused recording, a simple yet profoundly moving soundscape that is at once relaxing and sublime. It provides a true taste of northwoods magic and an inkling of things soon to come. My good friend and partner-recordist Ted Mack captured this beauty during a 6-month recording expedition the two of us undertook way back in 1994. I only wish it lasted longer. After about five minutes of singing, the robin went mute. Then all we hear is peepers and a few other subtle bird songs in the background. During the recording, listen for the whistles of White-throated Sparrows and songs of Nashville Warbler (I think), maybe a Song Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, and Winter Wren. I hear a single faint Swainson’s Thrush song near the end. There are also occasional very faint cackles of a Wood Frog. Have I missed anything (I can use some help identifying the faint bird songs in the background). I truly love this recording and find myself playing it over and over again. Thank you Ted for capturing and crystallizing this brief, yet supremely exalted moment in time! Genre Nature Recording