Nightingale singing near the headwaters of the Euphrates River by Listening Earth
There are some mornings we really do wonder why we bother.
After a few wonderfully relaxing days winding down amidst the fairy chimney landscape of Göreme, we are now back on the road, heading for north eastern Turkey.
After the comfort of our hotel and it’s luxurious hamam (Turkish bath), we are now in our tent. It is 2am, and it has just started raining. It’s only gentle, but as our tent has proven itself to be not completely waterproof, we’re hoping the rain doesn’t get any heavier.
By 4am, fortunately it hasn’t, but it hasn’t stopped either. We decide to get up and try for a recording.
I haven’t told you about Turkish mud yet have I? It is the gloopiest, stickiest stuff around. Wonderful to grow things in – you only have to look at the verdant agriculture of Turkey. It makes our Australian soil look as poor as, well, as poor as it is. But it’s misery to pack up a wet camp in.
So why am I taking delicate microphones out into the rain? Maybe it is a rush of renewed enthusiasm after our days of rest.
We’ve camped on a small river, fed by snowmelt, in central Anatolia. All around is agricultural country. But nearby are the uplands amongst which arises the great Euphrates River. It feels like a romantic location, worthy of a modest effort.
So out go the mics on the bank of our river. Spots of rain hit the mic head, but I record a lovely solo from a Nightingale. Another counter-sings from the far bank of the river, and there are occasional calls from a Cetti’s Warbler.
By the way – the mics survived (Sennheiser MKH20s will swim to get a recording if they have to – almost), however the tent will carry the mudstains forever.
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Andrew:
If no one has identified the “mystery bird” in this recording for you yet, it is Cetti’s Warbler.
–Jim
Hi Jim,
Thank you for the id. I love traveling somewhere where I do not recognise the birdsong. It is like the experience of hearing a new language, and not comprehending it. And yet one hears the birdsong completely anew, without the preconceptions of knowing the vocalist.
Andrew
Dear Folks,
I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog, recordings and photos!! like coming along with you! Thank you so very much!
Yes, it IS worth it! You will be so glad once you are home that you got it all! I once gave up on something from discouragement (meeting with a new friend), and lived to regret it immensely, when he was killed not long after. Your situation is different, but the principle is still there: don’t give up chances that may not come your way again. The planet is in trouble, and maybe these delightful creatures will not make it. So your recordings will be worth more than gold! I’m glad to know the Creator will keep track of them and restore any that will become extinct in this system. Keep up your great work!
Beverley in Canada
Dear Sarah and Andrew,
What a wonderful place Turkey is. Gerry Richards, Dion Hobcroft and I birded for 3 weeks in eastern Turkey last year and had an amazing holiday.
Your photos and how your write of your experiences is how I like to travel as well.
Thank you for your wonderful blog.
Trevor