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Wild Angles
News from the National Wildlife Refuge System


Howl That Song Again

Thousands upon thousands of photographs testify to the scenic beauty of national wildlife refuges. But what does a refuge sound like? And could you recognize the call of one of its more elusive species? A free new computer library of wildlife sounds recorded on national wildlife refuges and other Western landscapes aims to help.

The library, which now contains more than 1,000 calls of nearly 600 species of birds, mammals and amphibians – from the Gunnison sage grouse to the northern leopard frog – is part of the Western Soundscape Archive at the University of Utah.

Vocalizations include those captured from more than 60 hours of recordings at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Independent sound engineer Martyn Stewart camped at the remote refuge while recording. In an audio interview originally produced for National Public Radio, he conveys his sense of awe at his pristine surroundings. "Just recording up there is a joy. Twenty-four hours of light and you've got these fantastic sounds. At any given time, you’ve got birdsong all around you." (You can listen to the interview at: http://content.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/wss&CISOPTR=654&CISOBOX=1&REC=1)

Other selections include:

Birdsong expert and project consultant Kevin Colver, who chose recording sites for the project, says he selected many refuges because "that's where the birds are."

Project founder Jeff Rice noted that refuges are often protected "because of their extraordinary ecological richness." Plus, they're relatively undisturbed by human noise or development – also important here.

At Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming, where Colver recorded a bald eagle, a trumpeter swan (his first) and several migratory species in March, biological science technician Natalie Fath had high marks for the experience. "It was pretty exciting for him, but it's more exciting for us because it helps us confirm what's out there," she says. Sometimes a bird makes only a brief stopover. "If we get a sighting, we can then verify its presence."

Rice said he hoped the project would stir listeners. "I'm finding people are getting less and less in touch with the natural world. By sharing these sounds, I hope that people can learn a little more about what's out there."

Contact: Jeff Rice: J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah, 801-746-9455, Jeff.rice@utah.edu.

Last Update: April 23, 2009
 

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