Last autumn a pair of Carolina Wrens showed up in our front yard. This was the second year that they did so but the first year they disappeared before winter took hold. This winter however was different as the male stayed put throughout the winter and is now singing his song at the first sign of daybreak by our wood pile.
Carolina Wrens are usually not found this far north but their range does occasionally move north into Minnesota and this must be one of those times.
But the real purpose of this post is to introduce you to a series of videos that I will be producing listening to bird vocalizations at 1/5th normal speed. I find that studying vocalizations in slow motion is really fascinating. Animals due perceive time differently than we do and birds are no exception. For anyone who has ever tried to follow the movements of a warbler, you will instantly know that they never stop moving and their movements appear as if you are watching a video at a much faster rate.
With my Z Cam E2 camera I am able to record video and audio in 4k at 120fps. By recording at this speed, I can slow down their movements and vocalizations by 1/5th normal speed. This creates a whole other world of observing. I find this so fascinating.
Over the coming weeks and months, I will share with you some of my recordings.
Today’s video is that of the Carolina Wren. Enjoy!
⏤Alan Stankevitz