Best nature recording system

["rainbow_pictures" rainbow_pictur=]

es
Date: Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:35 pm ((PDT))

Hello There,

I am in need of high quality sound recording system to record nature
in general, bird songs, underwater, people, etc and would like to know
where to start.

We are using a Sony MiniDisc, but I think would be better to start
recording directly into a hard drive. My general questions would be.

1) What do you recommend as for a microphone to record distant animal
calls and ambient outdoors sound from nature like water, rain, wind,
forest, etc with one single mic?

2) What is the best digital recording system (to save directly onto a
hard drive while recording)?

Thank you!
Emil