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Is this the Right Gear for starting Bird Watching Recordings? (4 Viewers)

Nickkettt

New member
Argentina
Hi everyone,


I’m putting together my first setup for bird watching and recording, and I’d love to get some feedback from those more experienced.


Here’s what I’m planning to get:


• Zoom F3 recorder ($218) – I’ve read excellent reviews on this forum, seems like a great choice for the price right now.


• Audio Technica AT897 microphone


• Movo BWS1000 Blimp Wind & Vibration Protection System


I’m new to this world of recording birds and I want to improve my birdwatching experiences, so I’d really appreciate any comments or recommendations.
Would you change anything? I’m trying to stick to a reasonable budget for the bundle (recorder, mic and the holder) , so nothing too expensive, please.



Thanks in advance!
 
Hi,

What I would do:

Recorder: smartphone + Parabolic dish

Cheapest option that I know:

Products

For nocmig i use audiomoth + parabolic dish.

Casual day birding: smartphone (Merlín app) + good quality external mic PUI aom 5024l HD (home made). This is what I use the most, always with me.

Day birding looking for "good" audio: Parabolic dish + 100€ recorder (i use olympus LSP1, small and light). Olympus lsp5 cost twice and the audio quality is very similar (i have both)
 
It all depends for what purpose you're planning to use the material. Recording bird song is most likely better with a shotgun mic which can be pointed at the singing bird. Omnidirectional mics mostly do not have enough 'reach' and directionality for that (when used without a parabolic dish), but pick up flying birds from a fixed point better. I would not start with a parabolic dish, but when choosing gear now you can make sure this is addable to the setup later. Choosing for xlr input (which you're planning to do) seems wise from that viewpoint.

I think the F3 is a good choice because of it's practical and relatively simple way of operating. I bought one myself recently and I'm pleased with it, although I'm still figuring out things.

Ask yourself the question if the way you plan to use the setup requires a blimp or if a (mostly cheaper) windshield also does the trick.

When you want to record while walking; less is absolutely more in my experience. My Clippy microphone is a true delight.

Apart from that your choices (especially the F3) are great to start with. There are a lot of options, so it can be tricky to choose in the beginning. Take your time and enjoy the journey :)
 
Hi everyone,


I’m putting together my first setup for bird watching and recording, and I’d love to get some feedback from those more experienced.


Here’s what I’m planning to get:


• Zoom F3 recorder ($218) – I’ve read excellent reviews on this forum, seems like a great choice for the price right now.


• Audio Technica AT897 microphone


• Movo BWS1000 Blimp Wind & Vibration Protection System


I’m new to this world of recording birds and I want to improve my birdwatching experiences, so I’d really appreciate any comments or recommendations.
Would you change anything? I’m trying to stick to a reasonable budget for the bundle (recorder, mic and the holder) , so nothing too expensive, please.



Thanks in advance!

Should be good and could last you for years. I started in 2017 and still using the same gear but with new additions of the blimp
 
I would add to the shopping list software for post processing.

Audacity (which is free) can do some things, but software that can do precision edits of sonograms, or 'de-noise' audio can be very useful. It can be really frustrating to make an apparent 'good recording' only to find out it is spoiled by microphone pops and other unwanted noise.
 
Hi!
What is your goal with bird recording? Recording birds in nature? Single out one bird?
If you want to single out one bird, you have a good setup, certainly better than my starting set up! Shotgun mic is easier to use than parabolic and you will get great review. As for the blimp. I use mine quite often but keep in mind they are bulky. As you seem to have some budget, maybe add just a deadcat when you have to walk a lot!
If you never try bird recording, you also can get the Cornell lab of ornithology's course about bird recording. When I took the course I was recording for a solid two years so I didn't learn much, but as a starter, it's not bad!
 

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