Recensie The Sound Approach to Birding

Comprising two CDs and a substantial hardback book, The Sound Approach to Birding opens up a new world to birders who ‘don’t do calls’ – and expands to the horizon of those who do. In this ground-breaking publication, Mark Constantine and his team at The Sound Approach not only provide a guide to understanding bird sound, but also demonstrate in fascinating detail exactly how calls can be used to heighten our appreciation of birdlife and, in many cases, separate species that are visually almost identical.

With 99 tracks apiece, the CDs progressively ‘illustrate’ the text (in addition to the superb colour photographs and Killian Mullarney’s evocative artwork). Accompanied by a written track description and in most cases a sonogram, sound bites provide an audio example of differences in pitch and tone, for instance, or even exactly how a Marsh Warbler mimics Blackbird, Great Tit, Red-backed Shrike and European Bee-eater! Of particular interest are the sound comparisons of different crossbills.
Author Mark Constantine writes in a very personal and laid-back style, inviting the reader – and listener – to join him and The Sound Approach team as they travel the world making recordings. He also makes a case for the judicious use of recordings in the field.
 
This is without doubt the new benchmark for understanding bird sounds, regardless of the ability of the listener. Enhance your knowledge and enjoyment of birds with The Sound Approach to Birding, and open your ears to a whole new world

Uit: Birdwatch Magazine