Hi Vicki,
The base "arctic fox" fur is white but with a considerable amount of black
through it. The end result is an overall grey look but it is a lot paler than
the rycote or k-tek fur, and doesn't blend in well with it's surrounds. I've
intended doing something to rectify the situation for a while but haven't been
able to come up with a suitable replacement on my visits to Spotlight (local
fabric chain store). I have been wrapping some thin cammo fleece over the
whole contraption but neglected to do so this time out.
On the whole the wire "cage" [ see http://www.urbanbirder.com.au/node/91 ] I'm
using to support the fur is a bit difficult to pack when traveling so I've been
trying to work out a more transportable arrangement. I have a k-tek "softie"
that I could slice in half and attach to the barriers but I'm a little hesitant
to destroy a perfectly good bit of kit in this manner. A better approach for
me might be to try to locate suitable acoustically transparent foam and
fabricate softie style windshields on each barrier.
There is information about the International Dawn Chorus Day at
http://www.idcd.info/ It's been mentioned on this list in the past but
usually in the days prior to the event which leaves little time to prepare for
those of us who aren't fortunate enough have suitable recording locations on
our doorstep. I'm usually faced with at least 1.5-2hrs+ drive to get anywhere
far enough from flight paths and habitation to make it worthwhile recording.
cheers
Paul
On 07/03/2010, at 9:32 AM, vickipowys wrote:
> Hi Paul (Syd too!)
>
> I've now listened to the entire recording. I am thinking there is a
> Grey Shrike-thrush giving sub song after five minutes or so, and
> perhaps it is the GST that flies off at the end?
>
> Faux ARCTIC fox fur? Does that mean it is white?
>
> If you want to record lyrebirds you do need to use stealth and
> camouflage. If lyrebirds see you or hear you they will stop calling
> (apart from giving alarm calls). If you want to record breeding
> season song you can either used a fixed mic (as Syd suggests), or
> simply stalk them which is quite fun, and a challenge in bushcraft
> too. Only move closer while the lyrebird is singing to lessen the
> chances of him hearing your approach. When he pauses the song he is
> listening for other lyrebirds and if he hears so much as the snap of
> a small twig he will likely run off.
>
> You need to wear dull bush-coloured clothing, cammo is useful, pull a
> hat down over your eyes if you wear glasses so that there is no glint
> from the glasses. Wrap something dull green around your mics. Green
> mosquito netting, or cammo netting, is very useful for this. Drape
> it around the tripod too if you are leaving a fixed mic. Paint the
> tripod dull green. Be prepared to sit and wait for a long time.
> Wear warm clothes and gloves in winter so you don't get too cold.
>
> If I am doing mono recording of lyrebirds with a gun mic I have
> improvised with a green mohair scarf that I found in a $2 shop, it is
> mottled green too so looks like vegetation. I have wrapped that
> around the blimp and it is quite a good windshield. I suppose you
> could knit one out of mohair wool too, if you can't find one to buy.
>
> Depends on where you are recording as to how tolerant lyrebirds may
> be of humans, and how many mistakes in stalking that you can get away
> with.
>
> While I have been stalking lyrebirds I have also seen foxes, and
> cats, stalking the same lyrebird, so no wonder the lyrebirds are
> ready to fly or run. They are very vulnerable while they calling and
> displaying from the ground, and they know it.
>
> The other thing that can happen when you are stalking is that, just
> when you take the last 5 steps to the perfect recording position you
> will startle a wallaby, or a Wonga Pigeon etc, and they in turn will
> thump or clatter wings and alert the lyrebird.
>
> I've always thought a Ghillie Suit would be the way to go with
> lyrebirds, but I've never actually made one, nor tried it. Would be
> a good way to keep warm in winter though, the time the lyrebirds are
> calling best.
>
> Re International Dawn Chorus Day, could you remind us all of what
> this is about? We once did a dawn chorus project via this list. Is
> it anything to do with that?
>
> cheers,
>
> Vicki
>
>
"While a picture is worth a thousand words, a
sound is worth a thousand pictures." R. Murray Schafer via Bernie Krause
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