How to Record Bird Songs

You can record bird songs using specialized equipment. Many bird waters also enjoy listening to the birds sing, and many can identify birds by the sounds they make. Recording bird songs can help you identify the birds you want to watch on future bird watching trips. Once you acquire the equipment you need, you can record bird songs in a few short steps.

1. Obtain the equipment you need to record bird songs. In most cases, you will not be close to the birds you are recording so a parabolic reflector with a condenser microphone will be needed. You can purchase a parabolic reflector online or at specialty shops. Mount the microphone in the parabolic reflector and then attach your recording device to the microphone.


2. Drive to the location where you want to record the birds singing. Point the reflector to where you can hear the bird sounds and then turn on the recorder. Put on some headphones so you can hear what you are recording. Write down the types of birds you are hearing if you can see them, so you will know when you play it back what types of birds you are hearing.


3. Use sound editing software on your computer to edit the bird songs you just recorded. Audacity is a good sound editing software that is available for free download from the Internet. Use this software to edit the recording to block out the background noise.  You will only want to hear the bird songs on the recording. You should not adjust the tone or pitch of the recording, as it will change what the birds actually sound like.