Nature Is My Jam
If you’re like me, you love the sounds of nature—the dawn chorus, the rustle of wind through trees, the call of coyotes in the dark. These sounds spark curiosity, calm, and a deeper connection to the world around us.Welcome to Nature Is My Jam, a podcast that shares immersive soundscapes recorded in the quiet corners of Northern Michigan and beyond. I’m Darrin, a field recordist capturing the subtle and wild voices of nature by taking my gear to remote places. Each episode features a natural soundscape, along with a few thoughts on how and where it was re...
S3 E1 · Fri, April 18, 2025
Fading Light on Otter Creek
Send us a text It feels good to be back. This is my first field recording in nearly two years, captured just after sunset along the banks of Otter Creek in Sleeping Bear Dunes. I used my Zoom F3 recorder paired with the Audio-Technica BP4025 microphone, placed as a drop rig for an overnight session. As the light faded, I returned to one of my favorite spots—a quiet place where beavers often swim and birds gather in abundance. I watched two Trumpeter Swans descend and glide in beside a gathering of geese and ducks settling in for the night. Turkeys called from nearby trees, and the evening wrapped itself in the distant sound of Barred Owls echoing through the forest. It was peaceful, wild, and exactly what I’d been missing. Recording Details: Date and Time: 4/17/2025 | 5:30 AM Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Landscape/Feature: Otter Creek Conditions: 61F (16C), Overnight, Light Breeze that changed to Gusting Recording Device: Zoom F3 Field Recorder Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP4025 Support the show Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.
S2 E14 · Wed, June 14, 2023
Moody Morning on the Beach
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Subtlety and solitude were the theme of the early dawn as I drove towards the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore this morning. The morning sky was replaced by dark, brooding clouds as dawn broke and the crash and retreat of water against the sandy shoreline echoed a symphony that only nature could compose... a soothing rhythm that breathed sustenance into this muted morning. In this quiet, moody atmosphere, the resilient life of the beach was on full display. Dune grass swayed gently with the wind, each whisper adding another layer to the dawn soundtrack filling my ears. Intermingled with the subdued tones of the morning, vibrant shocks of color pierced through, with the Carolina Puccoon flowers shining their intense yellow petals. These hardy blooms were striking against the backdrop of rugged and scraggly pines that stand guard over the dunes, a testament to the beauty of nature. Rainy mornings such as these come with a precious offering - solitude. The beach, often teeming with life, was a haven of tranquility. The soft patter of the rain added a soothing rhythm to the natural melody, each drop a unique note in the lakeshore’s grand aria. I spent the morning in unhurried exploration, my camera guiding my movements rather than any pre-set path. It led me across rolling dunes and clusters of wildflowers, while the captivating sounds of the beach played on. Time seemed suspended, every moment a snapshot of serene beauty set against the gentle music of the lake’s waves. It was a morning filled with exploration and reflection, where nature’s music and visual spectacle were in perfect harmony. As the field recorder captured each note of the morning’s melody, I was reminded of the beauty in these unscripted moments and the enduring allure of nature’s symphony. It was, undoubtedly, a couple of hours well spent. Recording Details: Date and Time: 6/13/2023 | 5:30 AM Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Landscape/Feature: Peterson Road Beach and Surrounding Dunes Conditions: 49F (9.5C), Sunrise, Cloudy, Misty, Rain Recording Device: Zoom F3 Field Recorder Microphone(s): Sonorous Objects SO.101 (matched pair in stereo configuration) Support the show Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the worl
S2 E13 · Wed, May 24, 2023
Spring Peepers in Concert: Return to Boekeloo Lodge
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Returning to the idyllic Boekeloo Lodge at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for the second week, it was as though I had stepped into a Thoreauvian (is that a word?) dream. Set amidst a picturesque landscape that Mother Nature herself would be proud of, the lodge and its surroundings evoked a sense of peace and tranquility, only amplified by the resounding chorus of spring peepers that punctuated the evening air. For this endeavor, I brought along my new LÖM BasicUcho microphones, making their inaugural appearance on my podcast. My trusty companion, as always, was the Zoom F3 Field Recorder. It’s the stalwart backbone of nearly every episode, faithfully capturing the intricacies and nuances of nature’s audio tapestry. The day was adorned in spring’s finest hues of green and yellow, the skies overhead clear with a hint of a breeze that softly grazed but didn’t interrupt my recording. An enthralling promise filled the air, the possibility of seeing the northern lights. At Boekeloo, solitude is often your only companion. But this time, my day was punctuated by the unexpected, but pleasant, company of Nick Irwin. A talented photographer (IG: @irwin.nick), Nick was the only other soul present during the six hours I spent recording. His conversation was as engaging as his photography skills, and I found myself thankful for his presence. Recording nature and wildlife sounds can be a solitary activity. Yet, there is an undeniable thrill in the pursuit. To sit quietly and be an observer, to capture the conversations of nature that often go unheard, is a humbling experience. The spring peepers at Boekeloo, with their overpowering sonic presence, have been captivating. These little tree frogs have left an indelible mark on my heart, and through my recording, I hope they touch your hearts, too. As I pack my gear for the night, I am left in awe of the overwhelming power of nature - both seen and heard. The ephemeral glimpse of the northern lights coupled with the resonating echo of the peepers rounds off a perfect day. The Boekeloo Lodge, the pond, the peepers, and the chance encounter with Nick made for a day that will long be etched in my memory. But for now, I am happy to share this recording with you. After all, each peep is a story waiting to be heard. Recording Details: Date and Time: 5/23/2023 | 9:15 PM Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Landscape/Feature: Bo
S2 E12 · Tue, May 16, 2023
Sounds of Sleeping Bear Dunes: High Noon at the Boekeloo Lodge
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Today, we’re exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and uncovering the story of the Boekeloo Lodge. This charming cabin, nestled in a picturesque landscape, has a fascinating history. The Boekeloo family made an unexpected discovery in 1945 when they found an old cabin that had been neglected and had deteriorated for the past 10 years. They saw its potential and restored it with love and care. The result was a delightful wilderness getaway, where the family enjoyed many peaceful retreats surrounded by the tranquility of the woods and the grandeur of the dunes. But this hidden gem had an unexpected future. Eventually, the National Park Service (NPS) acquired the property because they recognized its historical significance and natural beauty. Today, visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can take a leisurely walk around the lodge and look through its windows to glimpse how vacations were in the past. The cabin stands as a testament to the Boekeloo family’s creativity and vision, offering a unique view into a simpler and more peaceful time. As a volunteer involved in a photography project at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, I was honored to be assigned the task of capturing the beauty of the Boekeloo Lodge. Without this opportunity, I would have never known about this incredible building and its fascinating history. When I arrived at noon, the sun was directly overhead, making it challenging to capture the best lighting for my photographs. Similarly, nature photographers know that noon is not the most active time for wildlife. I took advantage of the situation and was delighted to discover a lot of birds at the location. While taking pictures and documenting the site, I also set up my recording equipment, hoping to capture the essence of this enchanting place. Boekeloo Lodge is located just a mile off M-22, a state highway in Michigan. It sits next to a peaceful pond, and although you can hear some traffic noise in the distance, the overall atmosphere is enjoyable, allowing nature’s melodies to shine through. I’m excited to return to this idyllic spot to experience the dawn chorus and explore the surrounding area on a hike. The Boekeloo Lodge at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provides a captivating look into the past and serves as a reminder of the significance of conserving our natural environments. With its storied past and peaceful surroundings, it’s a remarkable p
S2 E11 · Mon, May 08, 2023
Dawn Chorus at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Send us a text Quick Note: You will hear some artificial noises in this recording, but they are few and I don’t feel they detract from the recording. It is becoming increasingly difficult to record pristine audio without driving hundreds of miles and spending countless hours in its pursuit. I realize it is perhaps better to include the artificial sounds and recognize that we live in a society where noise pollution exists. I am a perfectionist for my work and I struggle on where to draw the line and release a recording. To maintain my sanity, I have to learn to be okay with imperfect recordings and some noise pollution. I hope you will understand. We have made it through the third winter here in Michigan and have started on the second spring. We also made a jump to first summer, but it was very short-lived. It can be very hard to define seasons here because it can change so quickly, but it does really feel like a spring that is going to actually get us to summer. One thing I look forward most as the snow melts and the flowers start blooming is the return of the dawn chorus. This natural phenomenon occurs in the early morning and is a collective singing of birds as they welcome the start of a new day. During the dawn chorus, birds sing to defend their territories, attract mates, and communicate with their flock. The chorus begins just before the first light of dawn and can last for several hours, with different species of birds joining in at differing times. It truly is one of the most beautiful sound collective that exists in nature. I recently received a new recording kit from SR3D Binaural Microphones in the UK to test out and share my thoughts. I will have a separate post and video about this kit and my thoughts on it in the coming weeks. Binaural recording is an advanced method of capturing audio that closely replicates human auditory perception by utilizing two microphones configured in that mimics the human head. While listening to binaural recordings through headphones, the listener is immersed in a lifelike environment, such as the dawn chorus in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The biggest advantage, in my experience, is the heightened level of auditory realism. In short, you will feel you are in the middle of the action. Knowing I wanted to test out the realistic recording effects of this kit, I went to one of my favorite recording locations to capture the dawn chorus. Over the course of a few hours, I heard and saw at least 13 different species to include the usual suspects like the American Robin and Red-winged blackbird, but I recorded some firsts for me. It was my first time recording a Bald Eagle and a Virginia Rail. I won’t spoil the entire recording and would love to hear what species you heard while listening. Recording
S2 E10 · Thu, April 06, 2023
Lake Michigan Waves: A Meditative Experience
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to the latest episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast! I am a firm believer in the meditative and restorative benefits of simply listening to moving water, especially the sound of waves crashing onto a remote beach. This week, I am uploading over 2 hours of a recent recording done at the Peterson Road Beach at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Within the Platte Plains section of the lakeshore, this area features gently rolling hills, mature forests and wide expanses of beach that are rarely crowded. On the night of this recording, I had the entire beach to myself for around 4 hours, except for one person walking his dogs for a few minutes. I let the field recorder run and spent the time hiking on the beach to see what the melting ice might reveal. Ever since I have been old enough to remember, I have been irresistibly drawn to water like a magnet. One of my earliest memories is walking the beach with my parents and my brother in San Diego when I was 4 or 5. I remember holding my dad’s hand as he let me get closer and closer to the waves. The waves mesmerized me and I was instantly drawn to that unmistakable sound of waves crashing onto the shore. Not even the “Jellyfish Incident of ’96” could change my love of hearing the waves and wanting to be close to a body of water at all times. Pro tip: If the locals aren’t in the ocean on a hot day, then there is probably an excellent reason. Don’t be that guy that ignores all the clues and finds himself wrapped up in jellyfish tentacles. Waves are one of the most powerful meditative tools available to us. Their rhythmic and soothing sounds can help us achieve a state of deep relaxation and inner calm, while also providing a powerful connection to the natural world. The repetition of the sound of waves crashing on the shore creates a sense of predictability and stability, which can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. I think that the sound of waves can even help to synchronize brainwaves, leading to a greater sense of focus and concentration. Besides their calming effect, the power of waves lies in their ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder. The vastness of large bodies of water and the sheer force of the waves can help to put our own problems and worries into perspective, reminding us of the greater forces at work in the world. There are many ways to incorporate the power of waves into a meditation practice. Simply sitting by the shore an
S2 E9 · Thu, March 23, 2023
Barred Owl Mating Season in Northern Michigan
Send us a text QUICK NOTE: This recording has a fair bit of noise pollution in the form of traffic and the occasional aircraft. I was a couple of miles away from where I wanted to record but heard the owls starting their calls so wanted to record them. My apologies but I really think this recording is amazing and I wanted to share it with you. I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Greetings! Let’s talk about the barred owl mating season in northern Michigan. It’s a pretty exciting time for these nocturnal birds, and things can get lively out there in the forest. Mating lasts from February to April. The male barred owls become incredibly vocal during this period and create various sounds to draw in the female barred owls. They will use loud noises such as hooting, barking, and screaming in order to make their thoughts and feelings known. We humans, much like many other species, take the time to groom ourselves before heading out on a night of revelry and adventure. Once a male has caught the attention of a female, the real show begins. He’ll do all kinds of courtship displays like bowing, bobbing, and swaying. And if that’s not enough, he’ll even bring her gifts as food offerings. As Sade famously sang, he’s a smooth operator! The saxophone solo makes it true. If all of this impressed the female, the two lovebirds will mate and she’ll lay 2-4 eggs in a tree cavity or an abandoned nest. Both parents will take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young once they hatch, which usually happens after around 30 days. All in all, the barred owl mating season is a pretty important time for these birds. Without successful reproduction, their populations in northern Michigan could be in trouble. So, let’s wish them luck as they navigate the trials and tribulations of love in the forest! I recorded this episode near my home on the Muncie Lakes Pathway. This is one of my favorite areas to go birding and hike the trails. In fact, I recorded the very first episode of this podcast in the same location. Knowing there was going to be gusting wind through the overnight, I opted for the Audio-Technica BP4025 microphone. I have great wind protection gear for this microphone in the Rycote Windshield and the Rycote Windjammer. While not perfect, this configuration does a respectable job in blocking the wind. It’s probably not a surprise at this point in our journey, but I u
S2 E8 · Thu, March 16, 2023
What Lies Beneath: Hydrophone Recording of the Boardman River
Send us a text Greetings one and all. We have returned from a brief hiatus after the passing of Rhonda’s Dad to venture out to the Boardman River for a hydrophone recording. Hydrowhat? A hydrophone is a specialized microphone used to capture the hidden sounds of aquatic environment that happen beneath the surface of the water. Unlike traditional microphones that are designed to pick up sound waves traveling through the air, hydrophones are engineered to detect sound waves transmitted through the water. These fascinating devices work by converting changes in underwater pressure caused by sound waves into electrical signals. The Boardman River begins near Kalkaska, Michigan and meanders around 28 miles through Traverse City until it empties into the Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan. This river is a prime example of a blue ribbon river, offering an exceptional fishing experience for anglers and a pristine habitat for its aquatic residents. One of the key factors that contribute to its blue ribbon status is the health population of brook trout. These trout thrive in the crystal clear waters and diverse ecosystem, which provides the perfect conditions for their growth and reproduction. The blue ribbon designation not only reflects the rivers outstanding water quality and well-managed surroundings ut also highlights the importance of preserving and maintaining such habitats for future generations. Recorded just a stone’s throw from the Scheck’s Place Trail Camp with the Zoom F6 Field Recorder and the Aquarian H2A Hydrophone, this episode is a nice look at what lies beneath the river in late winter/early spring. The Trail Camp is maintained by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is used by equestrians seeking to traverse the Shore to Shore Riding Trail. The Shore to Shore Trail is over 220 miles long and connects Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. Primarily used by horseback riders, the trail is also open to hikers and cross-country skiers. I was surprised to see two hearty kayakers on the river today. They stopped at the horse watering hole to take a break as I was packing up my gear. We were all surprised to see someone else on the river and had a great conversation. They had been on the river for about 2 hours and had another hour or so before they concluded their journey at the old Brown Bridge Dam. While they were definitely getting a jump on the kayaking season, their presence signals a gentle swing towards spring and is a very welcome sign. Recording Details: Date and Time: 3/15/2023 | 3:30PM Location: Scheck’s Place Trail Camp, Traverse City, Michigan Landscape/Feature: Boardman River Conditions: 35F (2C), Sunny, Mild,
S2 E7 · Sun, February 26, 2023
Finding Solace Amongst the Waves of Lake Michigan
Send us a text Recorded with the Sonorous Objects SO.1 microphones and the Zoom F3 Field Recorder, this episode is all about how I find solace and peace by spending time in, on and around Lake Michigan. What makes this recording special, for me, is the muted tones of the lake when the ice has formed. It sounds completely unique and unlike any other time of the year. It is special, especially with the sporadic ice balls that form along the shore when the conditions are right. These spherical ice formations, ranging from a few inches to over a foot in diameter, are stunning to watch as they roll and bob on the lake’s surface. Although they may look like snowballs, they’re actually formed by layers of ice accumulating around a small nucleus of ice. February has been a tough month. Despite being the shortest month of the year, it’s packed a gut punch. On February 10, my father-in-law Gary Miller passed away after battling various cancers for years. He died one day before his 75th birthday, leaving behind his wife and two daughters. Although his passing has brought an inevitable change for everyone impacted, I’m encouraged by the resilience of my wife, Rhonda, her sister, and her mom. A few days later, a mass shooting occurred on the campus of Michigan State University. A deranged individual felt it was necessary to kill three students and injure another three before taking his own life. Although I have many thoughts about this senseless act, it’s difficult for me to move past the anger I feel when I think about it. When I feel trapped or need time for reflection, I head towards water. Oceans, lakes, rivers and streams have drawn me in for as long as I can remember. The sound of waves crashing on the shore, the breeze blowing across my face, and the colors of nature surrounding me always bring me peace and comfort. Today, I found solace at one of my favorite spots along Lake Michigan. When I look out at the vastness of Lake Michigan, I’m reminded of its incredible power. This precious body of water has endured for over a billion years, with an ever-changing landscape and surrounding terrain that serve as a source of healing for me. It reminds me that even when things are tough, we can still find hope and joy in the world. In 2012, I recorded Lake Michigan for the first time, and it seems fitting that I continue to find inspiration, healing, and solace by recording this precious body of water again and again and again. Recording Details: Date and Time: 2/24/2023 | 04:30 PM Location: Peterson Road Beach, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Landscape/Feature: Lake Michigan, Snow, Ice Balls, Waves Conditions: 10-19 degrees F (-12C to -7C), light winds, partly sunny Recording Device: Zoom F3 Field Recorder Microphon
S2 E6 · Mon, February 20, 2023
The 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count
Send us a text Disclaimer: I didn’t record this episode deep in the forest or on a deserted stretch of beach. I spent the weekend in my backyard, taking part in the 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count. Temperatures ranged from the mid-20s (F) into the high-40s over the weekend. The wind was BRUTAL, with gusts hitting 30 miles per hour. This is not a clean recording, but it accurately reflects the conditions in which I found myself during this event. As a birding enthusiast and a self-proclaimed citizen scientist, I am taking part in the 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) , a global event that encourages people to observe and count the birds in their backyard, local park, or any other location for at least 15 minutes on one or more days during the event. The event for 2023 began on Friday (2/17) and ends tomorrow (2/20). Despite insane wind and less-than-ideal birding conditions, I identified 14 different bird species during the event, including some of my favorite songbirds and a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers. Participating in the GBBC was not only fun and rewarding, but it also had important scientific value. By counting birds and reporting my sightings online, I contributed to one of the largest bird surveys in the world and helped scientists track changes in bird populations and their distribution over time. Even though my observations were from a small area, it’s still valuable data that can help identify hotspots of bird diversity and monitor the spread of invasive species. The following are the bird species I identified during the event: Mourning Dove Bald Eagle Downy Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker Blue Jay American Crow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Cedar Waxwing Northern Cardinal House Sparrow American Goldfinch Common Raven I hope you will consider joining me next February for the next bird count. Let me know how many birds you are able to identify in this recording! Recording Details: Date and Time: 2/19/2023 | 07:15AM Location: My Backyard on Spider Lake | Traverse City, Michigan Landscape/Feature: Backyard with Cedar, Pine, Maple and Oak trees on Spider Lake Conditions: 20F to 45F, Extreme Wind, Sunny Recording Device: Zoom F6 Field Recorder Microphone(s): Sonorous Objects SO.1 Microphones Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe Audition Support the show Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instag
S2 E5 · Thu, February 02, 2023
A Morning on Otter Creek with a Raft of Ducks
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. A fairly short recording this week, but it is time well spent with a raft of Mallard Ducks. Until today, I would have said a flock of ducks but, apparently, ducks are only called a flock when they are in flight. When they are in the water, a raft, team, or a paddling of ducks is used. When they are on land? That’s called a sord of ducks. This is certain to be a question on Jeopardy, so jot this down and keep it close to the vest. Just remember me when you win. This is a recording from the same location as last week, but from the other side of Otter Creek. I left a recorder and microphones attached to a tree close to the bank of the creek. When I went to retrieve the gear, I could see at least 100 ducks grouped together and being very talkative. A heavy snow was coming down, so they appeared as ghosts on the creek and I immediately regretted not having a longer lens on my camera to get a photo. In other news, I found a new recording location much closer to my house. I spent a few hours there this week to scout the location and get a feel for the wildlife in the area. It is so quiet that my test recording came back with NOTHING. No cars, no airplanes, and no nature sounds. However, there are plentiful signs of activity, so I just need to learn the area for better microphone placement. Apologies for the short recording this week, but I think you will enjoy it. For the discerning listener, you will probably hear some random traffic noise. This is because of the time of day of the recording and its proximity to a main road. I can only record from this location at night because there is very little traffic, but I think the noise is faint enough that it won’t distract from the listening experience. Recording Details: Date and Time: 1/26/2023 | 10:00 AM Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Landscape/Feature: Otter Creek Conditions: 28F (-2C), Heavy Snow, Moderate Wind, Dense Fog Recording Device: Zoom F6 Field Recorder Microphone(s): Sonorous Objects SO.1 Microphones Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe Audition Support the show Thanks for listening
S2 E4 · Fri, January 27, 2023
Crash, Stomp and Snort: A Night in the Forest
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” - Dr. George Berkeley. “My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here; My heart‘s in the Highlands a-chasing the deer.” - Robert Burns. “Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.” - Carl Sandburg. Crash, stomp and snort. All three sounds will become abundantly apparent as you listen to this week’s episode. I left a couple of clues in the quotes above. Success always finds the patient and prepared field recordist. I made that up. It’s no secret that the last few weeks have not been great for recording wildlife and nature sounds. My goal this week was to get back into the forest and feature an episode where the primary theme was not the sound of water. I had a mild collision on my way to record last night, which caused some delay in getting to the recording location. I’m fine, the truck is fine, but a group of saplings sacrificed themselves in order to bring this recording to you. It was late when I arrived and because I had a mile to hike to the recording location; I prepared a drop rig setup. A drop rig is the name given by field recordists for recording equipment left unattended for an extended period without being monitored. This style of recording is useful for nocturnal activities or where wildlife is not used to human presence. With signs of beaver activity, animal prints (deer, fox), and hearing coyotes across the wide creek, hopes were high for a successful recording. I am thrilled with this recording. It starts off with the answer to the age old question, proffered by Berkeley in the 1600s and then follows a very curious and excitable deer as it comes across my recording gear in the middle of the night. A deer will stomp its hooves when it senses danger and you can hear it rush towards the microphone and then come back with piqued curiosity. It does not leave the area and eventually beds down a few feet from the microphone. Finally, the echoes in this recording are breathtaking. I hope you enjoy this episode and I’ll see you next week. Recording Details: Date and Time: 1/26/2023 | 2:45 AM Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Landscape/Feature: Near Otter Creek in a Densely Wooded Forest Conditions: 28F (-2C), Heavy Snow, Moderate Wind, Dense Fog<
S2 E3 · Thu, January 19, 2023
Moody Lake Michigan Day at Leelanau State Park
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Captain’s Log, Stardate 100646.84. It has been weeks since the sun has appeared on this planet. A constant mist has enveloped this region, identified as northern Michigan, since the dawn of a new earth year. Contact made today with earthlings that appear to be in distress because of warm temperatures and a lack of something they call Vitamin D. Of all the earthlings encountered in Alpha Quadrant, the northerner is, perhaps, the strangest. Summary: My goal to record the Red Fox again this week did not go well. The constant wind and misting rain have played hell with my recording equipment and my patience. Two nights of failed recordings and hours spent alone in a field with rain running down my neck convinced me to give up on the Red Fox this week. I bailed on Sleeping Bear Dunes and made my way to Northport to visit the Leelanau State Park. I like the rocky beach at this park, which is unlike the sandy stretches of Sleeping Bear. There is also a cool lighthouse and the ability to watch Great Lakes Freighters as they make their way to the Upper Peninsula through the Manitou Straits. I didn’t intend to record the wave action, but the wind was just right to capture some interesting sounds as the waves crashed into large rocks near the shore. The water levels are down so I could get further out than what is possible to get close to some large boulders….. that are slick (I know this but sometimes I’m an idiot). I realized, too late, that my feet were slipping and it dumped me into the lake. I’d love to say it was part of a planned Polar Plunge, but I’d be lying. Luckily, I had extra clothes in the truck, so could change and keep recording. The only thing I didn’t have was another pair of boots, but I found that if I kept moving that my feet didn’t get too cold. I was going to apologize for recording more lake and wave activity, but I’m not sure it is necessary. Every water feature is unique and offers an interesting soundscape. Being surrounded by the Great Lakes is special and something I shouldn’t take for granted. I want to bring you diverse recordings and interesting soundscapes every week, but I have to take the sounds that are given to me. Recording Details: Date and Time: 1/18/2023 | 2:30 PM Location: Leelanau State Park in Northport, Michigan Landscape/Feature: Rocky Beach
S2 E2 · Thu, January 12, 2023
Red Fox Activity at Night
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. I hesitate to call this week’s recording an episode because it is, shall we say, brief? I hiked a few trails today, hoping to come across some interesting sounds that didn’t involve a lake, river or stream. Even though I love the sound of water, I have limits. Recording in winter, or what northern Michigan is giving us for a winter, requires patience and a lot of failed attempts. I know where to find wildlife most of the time, but damn if they haven’t eluded me as of late. Today started at the Kettles Trail , where the trail runs alongside a bog deep in the woods. (I know. More water.) There is a nice overlook that I thought might work for birds or perhaps otters or muskrats. While the trail had the right ingredients, its proximity to M-72 (State Highway) kept it out of the running for any audio recordings. However, it is an amazing trail and definitely worth a visit. With the first hike under my belt, I made my way to the Windy Moraine Trail , which features an overlook above Glen Lake (I know, I know). This trail is essentially straight up and then straight down, but I still love it. There are sections where forest meets field, which is usually a great opportunity to record deer, fox, birds, etc but not today. It is a short trail but will definitely get your heart rate up in the stratosphere. I saw fox tracks and evidence of Pileated Woodpeckers but I didn’t find any wildlife to record. I wanted/needed a recording for this week so drove over to Pyramid Point and hiked up the bluff that overlooks Lake Michigan (again; I know). It was dark by this time and there was complete cloud cover, so I wasn’t expecting a view, but I hoped I might get a recording of the waves below as they echoed around the standing trees at the top of the bluff. There was very little wind, so the waves were about as gentle as a mud puddle and barely audible in my headphones. I completed the loop and as I was hiking through the meadows near the trailhead; I caught sight of a Red Fox in the beam of my headlamp. Then I saw another one and a minute later, started hearing them yip. The yipping sound followed me all the way back to the trailhead. As I got to the t
S2 E1 · Thu, January 05, 2023
Ice and Sleet on the Platte River
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to Season Two of the Nature is my Jam podcast! 2023 is finally here, and the year begins anew with resolutions, intentions, hope and excitement. We are still early enough in the year where our resolve to change habits is still strong, right? One of my resolutions for 2023 is to embrace inclement weather rather than sitting in front of the fireplace. Cold and snow doesn’t bother me but I draw the line at rain. Living in northern Michigan, it’s a safe bet that most days in winter are of the inclement weather variety. With that resolution in mind, I spent a morning on the Platte River, where it empties into Lake Michigan, watching the ice floes go past and to feel the stinging sleet hit my face. Sleet, in my mind, is closer to snow than rain because it is cold but doesn’t look as nice. I rate this weather experience at 6 out of 10. The Platte River meanders 30 miles through forests, open land and wetlands that are in the public trust. The mouth of the river empties into Lake Michigan at Platte River Point , which is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and is an idyllic spot in winter. There are few cars and even fewer people venturing out on the beach. I only saw an angler early in the morning and then a Mom and her son bravely taking a stroll down the beach as the weather intensified from sleet to wet, heavy snow. The river takes a dogleg right as it nears Lake Michigan and runs parallel to the beach for about a 1/4 mile before meeting crashing waves. During the recording, several large floes of ice moved down the river and met their fate in Lake Michigan. Northern Michigan experienced a thaw after the “winter storm of 2022” so it surprised me to see these large chunks of ice in the river. The recording features the sound of the river as it cascades against some large rocks. In the background, you can hear the roar of the Lake Michigan waves as they hit the shore. It is a confusing sound, but oddly hypnotic. Thick fog permeated the scene, and the sun had no chance to make its presence known. Near the end, sleet enters the scene and offers a wet pitter patter of its icy flavor to round out the recording. Recording Details: Date a
S1 E29 · Thu, December 29, 2022
Season One Retrospective: Thank You!
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. By most measures, 2022 was not kind. I still can’t bring myself to talk about it, but my sidekick and constant companion, Bella (Boo Boo) lost her battle with cancer. If you were ever on a conference call with me, then you most definitely saw her sitting on my shoulder. She was a constant presence and I miss her dearly. She was tiny but mighty, never hesitating to yell at me if I wasn’t paying enough attention to her. We also lost Scruffy, our adventure cat, a few months ago. As if that wasn’t bad enough, our beloved Black Lab, Jasmine, also passed away at 12. Unexpectedly, I lost my job in February because of my position being eliminated. There isn’t a need to go into detail, but that event caused a short-term panic and an opportunity to reflect on my 25 year career in information security and risk management. With the support of my wife, Rhonda, and hours of financial calculations, we made the decision that I would take a long break from my career and look for a new path forward. This podcast results from being given the opportunity to try something new without the stress of reinventing myself at another company. As we head into 2023, I want to devote this episode to my feelings of gratitude. I have compiled the best bits from each episode in 2022 to create a retrospective of sorts. It was a mix of fun and cringe as I went back to the beginning of this journey. My early recordings were not good, but had great intentions. I committed to a goal of improving every week and seeking help from other field recordists. I like to think that my recordings improved with each episode and I am happy that so many people helped me along the way. I start each morning by writing out three things I am grateful for in my journal. It always starts with Rhonda. Always. Simply, she is the reason I have this podcast and the latitude to pursue this fresh path. She has never doubted me and is always there to cheer me on. Her support means the world to me, and I will forever be grateful that she is in my life. The other two items vary each day, but there will never be a time where Rhonda isn’t the very first name in the journal. I am also grateful to YOU . It means so much to me, giving up a few minutes of your time every week to listen to the podcast and share your thoughts. As I’ve said before, I started this podcast because I felt I had something to say
S1 E28 · Thu, December 22, 2022
Sounds of Sleeping Bear Dunes: The Calm Before The Storm
Send us a text May the closeness of friends and the comfort of home renew your spirits this holiday season. I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Summary: Welcome to episode 28 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. As 2022 winds down, Mother Nature is going to remind us she is all powerful and wants to add some excitement to the season’s holidays. We have a major winter storm heading our way and if the weather predictors are right; we are going to end the year with a doozy of a blizzard. With this in mind, I wanted to record what I am calling the ‘calm before the storm. It was a cold yet mild day here in northern Michigan and I, once again, found myself along one of my favorite beaches along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We are the Peterson Road Beach, which is near Honor, Michigan and very close to the Platte River Campground. This recording features gentle waves and a very light wind. While it was a mild day in terms of wind, the temperatures dropped throughout the day and the skies got very dark. My watch notified me of blizzard and extreme weather warnings the entire time I was recording, and my wife even called to make sure I hadn’t fallen off a bluff or into a ravine. Severe weather warnings, I’ve noticed, bring a hint of concern *and* excitement to everyone affected. While the storm is still a day away, instinct creeps in and everyone does their best to prepare and, well, wait. The Rest of the Story: The truth of the matter is that while it was extremely cold along the lakeshore, I was in no real danger during the recording. Dressed for the weather, I knew I’d be able to get back home before any major snow or drop in the temperature. My truck can get through snow and I always bring extra clothing, water and a personal emergency beacon that will notify family and first responders via satellite if I need help. The storm is definitely on its way and I plan on getting out to record as long as long as I can get down our tiny two-track and out onto a main road. If we don’t get plowed out for a few days, then I’ll explore and record right in the backyard. It could be a long few days of being housebound and I’m okay with that. The fireplace will roar, hot cocoa will be at the ready and a long backlog of Hallmark Xmas movies will entertain us for days. Recording Details: Date and Time: 12/21/2022 | 3:30 PM Location: Sleeping
S1 E27 · Thu, December 15, 2022
Sounds of Northern Michigan: A Blustery Day on Empire Bluff
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Summary: Welcome to episode 27 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. Winter in Michigan presents a unique set of challenges with field recording. My new mantra is, “If it’s blowing wind, then it must be .” This week was no exception and we, once again, brave the elements in pursuit of those sweet, sweet sounds of nature. I have wanted to hike the Empire Bluff Trail at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore all year and with 2023 quickly approaching, I knew I had to get my butt in gear. The Empire Bluff trail isn’t terribly long, but presents some of the most iconic and scenic views at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Overlooking Lake Michigan, the trail offers sweeping views of South Manitou Island, massive sand dunes and the stunning South Bar Lake with its narrow spit of land separating it from Lake Michigan. On the day of this recording, I had the entire trail almost to myself, sharing it was a pair of hikers and two Bald Eagles. This recording features massive wind (welcome to Winter in northern Michigan) blowing through the woods and down the bluff to where I was standing. The wind goes from a whisper to a howl to a roar in several minutes. Creaking trees, airborne ferns and sand pebbles shimmer across the soundscape as the wind shifts direction. It is a stunning show of force that, once again, reminds us of the power of nature. The Rest of the Story: Hop on over to the Nature is my Jam website for the rest of the story !! Recording Details: Date and Time: 12/14/2022 | 1:45 PM Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore Landscape/Feature: Empire Bluff Trail overlooking Lake Michigan Conditions: Extreme wind, Cloudy, Blustery, Cold, Ice Recording Device: Zoom F3 Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025 Support the show Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on
S1 E26 · Thu, December 01, 2022
A Big Wind on Otter Creek
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Summary: Welcome to episode 26 of the Nature is my Jam podcast. As always, I’m happy to welcome you back for another foray into the wilderness to capture the best northern Michigan offers. This week, we are once again on the banks of Otter Creek at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to record the sound of a big wind as it blows in from Lake Michigan. How windy was it today? So windy that Otter Creek was flowing backwards! This wasn’t the original location for today’s recording, but it turned out to be the best location. I really love the sound of the intense wind. It’s not only a reminder of the power of nature, but a chance to get lost in the wind's sound blowing through the trees with no other sounds to get in its way. It was a whirlwind of activity to get this episode recorded. I received feedback ( very good feedback) that I sometimes take too long to get to the point. I know it but I like to write so I put all the really important stuff at the top this week. If you want to know the rest of the story, then I invite you to continue reading on the Nature is my Jam blog . Recording Details: Date and Time: 11/30/2022 | 4:30 PM Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore Landscape/Feature: Dense Woodland along the shore of Otter Creek Conditions: Sunny, Blue Skies, Warm, Breezy Recording Device: Zoom F3 Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025 Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe Audition Support the show Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.
S1 E25 · Fri, November 25, 2022
Sounds of Sleeping Bear Dunes: Otter Creek Tributary
Send us a text As we enter a long holiday weekend in the United States, I have spent a lot of time thinking about gratitude and growth. 2022 has been an especially “not great” year for my family. We lost three beloved pets, have dealt with health issues and had to navigate an early retirement after losing my job in a career that spanned 25 years. By any measure, that’s a lot to deal with and I’m happy to say that I think we have handled it well. We will forever miss our pets, but it warmed our hearts with the memories and knowing we gave them a good life. We are tackling our respective health issues straight on and moving forward with intent and focus. And, well, early retirement isn’t for the faint of heart, but I am incredibly lucky to have the support of friends and family. I am also incredibly lucky to have this podcast. This podcast has given me a voice when I didn’t know what I wanted to say. It’s given me a platform to share wildlife recordings with a global audience and to find joy in creating something that brings people happiness and a brief respite from the daily grind of life in the modern age. This is the 25th episode of the Nature is my Jam podcast. Can you believe it? This is the episode I circled on my planning calendar because I felt it would be the next major milestone for this passion project. Do I continue or scale back? Do I choose another project to focus my time on? Do I still have the support of my family? Do I still feel that each episode provides value to my listeners? I thought about each of these questions as I recorded this episode. It was a beautiful day yesterday and I went back to one of my favorite places, Sleeping Bear Dunes. My plan was to check on the beaver family and maybe record more of their activities, but once I arrived, the sun and the brilliant blue sky called me to the beach. I spent a glorious 3 hours walking the beach while I recorded the Otter Creek tributary as it emptied into Lake Michigan. I also found a nice log to use as a backrest and let the sun warm my face as I decided the future of the podcast. The ultimate question I had to answer was, “Am I still having fun?” The answer is a definitive YES! I love what I am doing and I’m excited to keep moving this project forward. I have heard from so many of you telling me they appreciate the recordings and that it helps them relax, de-stress or learn more about the surrounding nature. I have made new friends in the world of field recording that are kind, supportive and generous with their time as I learn how to improve. My passion has grown stronger over the last several months and the self-confidence I lost, along with my job, is slowly coming back. I’m here for the long haul and am excited about the continuing to grow the podca
S1 E24 · Thu, November 17, 2022
Sounds of Sleeping Bear Dunes: Tranquility Interrupted on Otter Creek
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to episode 24 of the Nature is my Jam podcast! As always, I’m happy to see you again and can’t wait to share this episode with you. This episode is a continuation of the recording I did last week at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore . What intrigues me most about this part of the night is how quiet it can get after periods of intense activity. The beavers have moved to other parts of the creek or simply went back to their lodge. As the wind picks up, we hear some crickets and blowing leaves. There is an occasional stirring of some geese and an occasional creak from an old tree. It’s a pure joy to sit back and take it in. It reminds me of sitting on the back porch during a thunderstorm. I have been asked how often I listen to my own recordings or if I ever listen to every episode. I do. It is therapy for me and a chance to let my brain slow down and take in the wonders of the world. A time to reflect and be grateful for the life I’m so fortunate to enjoy. It is also a time to think about future episode and yes, a time to be critical of what I could do better going forward. And as quickly as those thoughts enter my consciousness and the tranquility that I am experiencing, they get interrupted by, well, the ebb and flow of life. Just like this episode, which I like to call, ‘Tranquility Interrupted’. I think it’s okay to have interruptions in our life and there is a balance that is needed. Okay, this might be less about the podcast and just a rule of thumb for life, but I believe we need quiet spaces just as we need loud spaces. Chaotic spaces full of noise, energy and uncertainty give us a deeper appreciation for the relative solitude and a chance for introspection. I think this recording allows plenty of space to breathe, followed by some intense activity and then a few minutes of quiet to round out your listening experience. I’m always biased, but I think this is an exception recording to listen to with headphones. As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! Recording Summary: Date and Time: 11/10/2022 | 03:25 AM Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore Landscape/Feature: Otte
S1 E23 · Fri, November 11, 2022
Sounds of Sleeping Bear Dunes: Beavers at Otter Lake
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to episode 23 of the Nature is my Jam podcast! As always, I’m happy to see you again and can’t wait to share this episode with you. The weather here in northern Michigan has been unseasonably warm, with temperatures in the low 60s (around 15.5 Celsius for the rest of the world). The leaves have fallen and we would normally gear up for the first big snow of the year, but Mother Nature has other ideas. Fall is my favorite time of year so I’m not complaining! I went to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore yesterday to hike the Otter Creek Loop , which is part of the Platte Plains Trail. It is a roughly 5 miles (8km) loop that meanders through gently rolling hills and takes you along the creek and all the way around Otter Lake. Besides completing the loop and getting in some miles, I also wanted to find some sounds to record. As I was entering the last section of the trail, I noticed some signs of beaver activity so stopped to inspect. I could see recent chew marks in several saplings and what appeared to be a slick mud slide down to the creek. I assumed this to be a sure sign of one or more industrious beavers, so I came up with a plan to record them working. Knowing my presence would likely dampen their enthusiasm, I quickly configured my gear to record overnight. I would come back the next day to see what sounds I captured. The trail is fairly popular, so I have to believe the beavers are used to human presence, but I always do my best to maintain a respectful distance. When I returned, I was happy to see there had been additional activity overnight. To my complete surprise, they worked the area immediately in front of my gear and gave me a gift of some amazing sounds. Thank you, beavers!! This might just be my favorite recording of the year. I have several hours of their activity recorded and will do a longer edit over the winter. However, because I’m so excited about capturing the beavers, I want to share this clip with you on the podcast right now. As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! Recording Summary: Date and Time: 11/10/2022 | 01:00 AM Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore Landscape/Featur
S1 E22 · Fri, November 04, 2022
Sounds of Mexico: Birdsong on the Yucatan Peninsula
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. What does one do when visiting Mexico on a family vacation? If you’re me, then I suspect you would beg for a few hours to record sounds and promise to be back before the rest of the family noticed you were missing. And if you’re still me, you decide to leave the resort property and hike into the jungle telling no one, including security, where you were going, but that’s a different story for a different day. Welcome to episode 22 of the Nature is my Jam podcast! As always, I’m happy to see you again. This week, we are in a small jungle area a few miles outside of the resort where we were staying on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The resorts in Mexico are stunningly beautiful and cater to your every need, but are a horrible place for trying to record nature sounds. Knowing I could not get a clean recording at the resort, I plotted a course to a nearby Cenote that would take me through a couple of small towns and into a more secluded area of the surrounding jungle. Have I mentioned it was hot and humid? I mean, it was HOT and HUMID. As the sweat soaked my clothes and the sun did its best to bleach what’s left of my hair, I suddenly became okay with, “I’ll just keep going until I see or hear something cool.” I watched Iguanas sunbathing and the cutest rodent I’ve ever seen scurry into the undergrowth as I approached. The animal I later learned is called an Agouti. I have no pictures but they look kind of like a short-haired Guinea Pig to me. The highlight, however, was getting to a Spider Monkey casually stroll past me as I contemplated the ethics of trying to take it home with me. Okay, Wassom, six paragraphs in and we still don’t know what you recorded this week. Well, let’s get to it then! I found a small section of jungle where I could hear birds and other wildlife scurrying through the underbrush (is it called underbrush in a jungle?). I recorded for two hours and got some amazing sounds, albeit with a bit of background noise from another resort and what sounds like maybe some construction. I could only identify a Great-Tailed Grackle, Great Kisadee and a Hooded Oriole by sight. Not sure if their sounds are in this recording, though. I heard a member of the Dove family as I was editing this episode but didn’t see any. The database in my birding app is sparse for Mexico, so my apologies that I wasn’t able to provide a species list this week.<
S1 E21 · Thu, October 27, 2022
Sounds of Northern Michigan: On the Banks of Twenty-Two Creek
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. This episode is for a friend that is fighting the occasional sleepless night. The last episode (wind noise) didn’t help him so I thought I’d record some creeks sounds, in the hopes it does the trick. Here’s to the original hobbit hailing from Lowell by way of East Kentwood and East Lansing. A brother, friend and fellow Spartan. Welcome to episode 21 of the Nature is my Jam podcast! As always, I’m happy to see you again. This week, we are on the banks of Twenty-Two Creek in my hometown of Traverse City, Michigan. Twenty-Two Creek is a shallow and meandering creek that runs along the North Country Scenic Trail and is a prominent feature in the Valley of the Giants. Its gentle gurgling sounds are the backdrop for views of stunning trees that are hundreds of years old. While not a simple place to find if you aren’t familiar with the area, I am still surprised that more people don’t know about this amazing section of trail. I can access the trail from Scharmen Road where the NCT crosses. It is less than a mile from the road to get to this section of creek, which sits at the bottom of the Valley of the Giants. It is a beautiful hike and there will be a bench waiting for you where the creek intersects with the trail. If the name sound familiar, it is because we were at the same location back in July for Episode 7 . It is surprising how a few months can change the soundscape of an area so much. In July, the creek greeted us with the sounds of a Winter Wren, only in Michigan during their breeding season. In this episode, the wrens are gone, but we can hear Owls, as well as a persistent voice that I don’t recognize. I will be in Mexico when this episode gets published and am planning on coming back with some glorious sounds to share with you. Have a great week and look forward to chatting when I return. As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! Recording Summary: Date and Time: 10/21/2022 | 04:15 AM Location: Grand Traverse County, Michigan, USA Landscape/Feature: Valley of the Giants and Twenty-Two Creek Conditions: Unseasonably Warm, Clean Recording Device: <a href='https://adorama.rfvk.net
S1 E20 · Thu, October 20, 2022
Sounds of Northern Michigan: A Dark and Stormy Night in the the Woods
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to episode 20 of the Nature is my Jam podcast! We are 5 months into this journey and your support, kindness and generosity continue to amaze me. As we head into the inevitable winter of Northern Michigan, I am becoming even more excited and looking forward to the challenge of recording wildlife and nature in extreme cold and snow. There is also a sense of uncertainty since I have never recorded in the winter. I really enjoy the diversity of location and wildlife when I record, so I hope I don’t get six months of wind. Speaking of wind….. this recording started out as a test of some new wind protection equipment for my microphone. I went out to Old Mission Peninsula (a favorite location) on a stormy night to see how the new Modular Windshield (blimp) from Rycote would fare. The windshield provides up to 30db wind noise attenuation and there is also an option to add a windjammer that adds a 20db of attenuation. That’s an insane amount of wind protection, right? On the night I recorded, wind gusts were approaching 25-30 miles per hour, which would have been a non-starter for the Rycote BBG windshield I normally use. I think the biggest difference is that the entire microphone is encased in the blimp, which provides greater protection and minimizes the chances of wind finding its way to the stereo capsule. Its additional weight also helps in stabilizing the microphone so it doesn’t get buffeted by the wind. The results of the new windshield speak for themselves. I had no intention of using this recording for a podcast episode, but I have been obsessing over this track for hours now and wanted to share it with you. I have been calling it the original white noise, which is perfect for sleep and meditation. The wind is intense but doesn’t overwhelm the microphone. The sound of snapping branches and the occasional chirp of crickets are also present, which adds some depth to this dark and stormy night in the woods. As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! Recording Summary: <l
S1 E19 · Thu, October 13, 2022
Sounds of Old Mission Peninsula: Rainy Night in the Woods
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to episode 19 of the Nature is my Jam podcast! We find ourselves out on the Old Mission Peninsula (OMP) in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. The OMP is one of my favorite places to roam, especially on moody days such as I found during this recording. With rain and wind in the forecast, this was going to be a perfect opportunity to test out some new gear. As I mentioned after the trip to the upper peninsula, I upgraded the wind protection for my microphone and also added in some protection from the rain. I’m happy to report that both additions worked perfectly during this wet and windy night. Rhonda joined me, so we drove out to the Murray Road Trailhead to begin our hike along the trails belonging to the Old Mission Point Park . This section of trail goes through various meadows, along several ridge lines, and plunges down into a valley containing what is best described as a climax forest. A climax forest exists when the plant community is relatively stable and unchanged over many cycles. Think of mature trees that represent the last stage of natural succession. There is very little undergrowth or competition from other species. There is debate in the community about the merits of a climax forest that are too nuanced for this blog post, but the primary question is, “should a forest ever stop evolving and not face competition?” Once we setup the microphone, we took a path that we thought would lead us back to Murray Road and eventually back to our car. 20 minutes later, as the woods grew darker, we missed the spur trail and bushwhacked through meadows full of tall grass and acres of Sumac Trees. For me, this is a very regular occurrence, but I think Rhonda would prefer to stay on maintained trails. With pitch black skies, increasing wind and hunger waning on our patience, we finally found the road, and it was just a 5-minute walk to the car. The bonus of getting momentarily disoriented was finding a creaking old tree that would be amazing to record during a storm. As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! Recording Summary: Date and Time: 10/12/2022 | 1:30 AM Location: Grand Traverse County, Michigan, USA
S1 E18 · Thu, October 06, 2022
Sounds of Whitefish Point: Storm Waves on Lake Superior
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Whitefish Point is in Chippewa County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) It is home to the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum . The area is popular for birding, rock hunting, beach walking and ship watching. It is also the home of a former United States Coast Guard station. On the days I visited, rain storms greeted me and regaled me with impressive wind, amazing cloud formations and giant crashing waves you will get to hear in this episode. Based on listening stats for this podcast, you love episodes that feature beaches and waves. I mean, you really love them. Those episodes outperform all others by 40%. So if you are a person who loves listening to waves (me included!) then I think this episode is especially for you. There is science to suggest that listening to sounds of the beach can lower stress, ease anxiety and aid in sleeping, so let’s get to it, shall we? : ) My goal in visiting Whitefish Point was to observe and record birds that use the area around the observatory as a rest and fuel source during their fall migration. Whitefish Point is a designated “Important Bird Area” by BirdLife International because of its unique geographical terrain that creates a natural corridor for migrating birds. A dedicated team of volunteers and scientists has observed and identified at Whitefish Point nearly 350 species of birds. I spent several hours here over a couple of days, but the wind and rain effectively ruined any chances of capturing bird sounds. The area is amazing and I can’t wait to go back in the spring, but I could record the waves crashing on to the shore from a massive north wind. The difference in wave action between Lake Michigan and Lake Superior is notable and sometimes quite drastic. Lake Michigan has a wave frequency that is quicker and less intense than Lake Superior. Oh, one more thing…… We won’t be changing this podcast to ‘Wassom’s Waves - all waves, all the time’ (said in my best radio announcer voice). But I live in a state where you are only a few miles from a body of water at any location. Water is everywhere, but I strive for variety and diversity in my recordings. I will continue going into the woods and fields to find great nature sounds for us to enjoy. I will continue to search for the most elusive
S1 E17 · Fri, September 30, 2022
Sounds of Leelanau County: Yellowthroats, Hawks, Woodpeckers, Chickadees and Warblers!!
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. My recordings from the upper peninsula are not useable because some type of critter thought it would be fun to chew the microphone cable. I didn’t notice until I got back to Traverse City, but I had to order a replacement cable. Of the 30 hours of recorded files, I could only salvage what you heard in the episode last week. As you know, I went to the eastern UP hoping to record wolves. The good? I found the wolves and tracked them for two days before setting up my recorders. The bad? They are very elusive and difficult to capture on “tape”. I have a few seconds of what might be a howl, but it is distant and could also be a Common Loon. Welcome to the 17th episode of the Nature is my Jam podcast! Because of some technical difficulties while I was in the upper peninsula, I had to dig into some older files for this week’s episode. Not to fear, though. We are in Leelanau County again and we are going to be spoiled with a menagerie of bird calls recorded in an open meadow. How many birds make up a menagerie?? I don’t know that answer but we have 10 birds for the price of admission. And not just any birds. We are talking Common Yellowthroats, Magnolia Warblers, Black-capped Chickadees, Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-shouldered Hawks, Blue Jays (song and calls!), Crows, and more. Northport is a tiny village near the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula that has beautiful rolling hills, forests, farmland and perhaps my favorite, expansive open meadows that soak up the sun and play host to a who’s who of Northern Michigan wildlife. This recording, as I mentioned above, is very much bird forward to the listening palate. As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! Recording Summary: Date and Time: 9/7/2022 | 7:00 AM Location: Leelanau County, Michigan, USA Landscape/Feature: Wide Open Meadow just outside the village of Northport Conditions: Morning, Sunny, Light Breeze Recording Device: Zoom F6 Field Recorder Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025 Digital Audio Workstation: <a href='Ad
S1 E16 · Thu, September 22, 2022
Sounds of Lake Superior: Crisp Point Beach and Lighthouse
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking , following , sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to the 16th episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast . As this episode gets published, we are closing in on 1000 downloads ! As a podcasting metric, I’m not entirely sure what that means, but as a personal metric, it means the world to me. When I came up with this crazy idea to have a non-speaking podcast, I can’t say that I thought it would be more than a personal sound journal. Imagine my surprise when my friends, family and complete strangers welcomed this tiny podcast into their lives to immerse themselves in a few minutes of nature every week!! Diving into creating this podcast became a passion project and something I desperately needed to occupy my time after losing my job in a career spanning 25 years in cybersecurity. This space and time to nurture my creative side is exactly the focus I needed after leaving the corporate world. My wife, Rhonda, never hesitated and encouraged me to take this time to heal and define my next chapter. I owe her a debt of gratitude and love for allowing me this space. Thank you, Rhonda! ❤️ Okay, you didn’t come here for a life update. Let’s get to the good stuff! Hello from the Crisp Point Lighthouse on Lake Superior. We are in the upper peninsula of Michigan to spend a week exploring and recording. This recording features the waves of Lake Superior as they collide with an old pier left over from the heyday of this amazing lighthouse. As I walked down the beach, I kept hearing a “tink think” sound rise from the waves. I looked around and discovered the pier/piling had a bolt sticking through with a large washer getting moved around by the water. Once I heard it, I became slightly obsessed with it and setup my recorder. This sound reminds me of a singing bowl used during meditation. That crisp, clear bell and the calming sounds of the waves. Yes, the water is interacting with a manmade object, but this is nature negotiating and interacting with the pier that was placed in its path decades ago. Listen to this with headphones and let the cling of the washer bring you back to center as you breathe. Or, just listen to a cool sound on Lake Superior. : ) As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! Recording Summary: Date and Time: 9/13
S1 E15 · Thu, September 15, 2022
Sounds of Leelanau Peninsula: Open Meadow with Owls and Coyotes!
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to the 15th episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast . When this episode gets published, I will be in the upper peninsula of Michigan to observe and record the fall bird migration. The Crisp Point Lighthouse on Lake Superior is also on my list of places to visit. This will be a solo camping trip and, as usual, I am going to bring too much gear and not have enough time to visit all the sites I have on my list. Of course, that is the beauty of life in northern Michigan. There will always be an adventure to be had, no matter the day or season. We are still at the Lighthouse West Natural Area in Leelanau County but have moved from the beach to an open meadow. Please note that I covered the area in last week’s episode so won’t repeat that information here . This meadow used to be part of a farm and still have a few apple trees mingling with the fresh growth that is quickly reclaiming the old farmland. This was another overnight recording, with Barred Owls making their presence known and a pack of coyotes making a ruckus several times throughout the night. We can also hear deer running through the brush and even sniffing the recording equipment. You may wish to use headphones for this episode to get the full experience of being there. A few sounds are subtle and some distance away from the recording gear. Microphone placement can sometimes be a roll of the dice, and that is clear in this recording. I think if I had moved the microphone to the other side of the meadow that we would have those owls all up in our business. However, the owls are very present and I think the deer were happy that the Coyotes were in a different field. This part of Leelanau County is fairly remote, but still has a lot of activity during the day, so night recordings work best. I sometimes wonder if I should have started a podcast devoted to air travel because I have hours of planes making their presence known at all times of the day. As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! Recording Summary: Date and Time: 9/6/2022 | 4:45 AM Location: Leelanau County, Michigan, USA Landscape/Feat
S1 E14 · Thu, September 08, 2022
Sounds of Leelanau Peninsula: Lighthouse West Natural Area
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to the 14th episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast . Based on feedback from last week’s episode (and trust me, you had a lot of feedback!), we need a palate cleanser from the mesmerizing persistence of the Eastern Whippoorwill. The consensus is that we could have done with more mesmerizing and less persistence. Although I disagree, I have heard your voice. This week, we venture out to the Leelanau Peninsula to visit the Lighthouse West Natural Area , part of the Leelanau Conservancy. While the natural area is small in stature at 42 acres, it is mighty in terms of the wildlife present and the unique geography of the area. Most notably, it is a certified bird habitat, meaning, “the native plants in this landscape support healthy bird populations by producing an abundance and diversity of insects.” This distinction is the real reason I wanted to visit this area. The fall migration will begin soon and I want to be fully prepared for those hectic couple of weeks of birding. Next door to the Leelanau State Park, this natural area doesn’t get the tourist traffic or the noise. From the small parking lot, the trail meanders through a meadow for a short distance before plunging into a large stand of mature maple trees. It’s quite a contrast in terrain, but it changes again as the trail goes along an ancient bluff and eventually levels off into what is called a “boulder terrace”. Created eons ago, when the lake level was much higher, the terrace was a visual reminder of a different time. There is also evidence of massive boulders left by the glaciers. As I approached the beach, the sun was just setting, and the crickets made themselves known. The sky turned a brilliant yellow and orange while the waves slowly washed ashore. It was stunning. I placed the recorder and microphone by some gnarled cedar trees, hoping to catch the ambience of the surrounding crickets and cicadas without being overwhelmed by the waves. Not to fear, I also placed a second recorder in the meadow and captured some very talkative owls and a pack of very busy coyotes. That recording will be available next week. </
Thu, September 08, 2022
Sounds of Leelanau Peninsula: Lighthouse West Natural Area
I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to the 14th episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast . Based on feedback from last week’s episode (and trust me, you had a lot of feedback!), we need a palate cleanser from the mesmerizing persistence of the Eastern Whippoorwill. The consensus is that we could have done with more mesmerizing and less persistence. Although I disagree, I have heard your voice. This week, we venture out to the Leelanau Peninsula to visit the Lighthouse West Natural Area , part of the Leelanau Conservancy. While the natural area is small in stature at 42 acres, it is mighty in terms of the wildlife present and the unique geography of the area. Most notably, it is a certified bird habitat, meaning, “the native plants in this landscape support healthy bird populations by producing an abundance and diversity of insects.” This distinction is the real reason I wanted to visit this area. The fall migration will begin soon and I want to be fully prepared for those hectic couple of weeks of birding. Next door to the Leelanau State Park, this natural area doesn’t get the tourist traffic or the noise. From the small parking lot, the trail meanders through a meadow for a short distance before plunging into a large stand of mature maple trees. It’s quite a contrast in terrain, but it changes again as the trail goes along an ancient bluff and eventually levels off into what is called a “boulder terrace”. Created eons ago, when the lake level was much higher, the terrace was a visual reminder of a different time. There is also evidence of massive boulders left by the glaciers. As I approached the beach, the sun was just setting, and the crickets made themselves known. The sky turned a brilliant yellow and orange while the waves slowly washed ashore. It was stunning. I placed the recorder and microphone by some gnarled cedar trees, hoping to catch the ambience of the surrounding crickets and cicadas without being overwhelmed by the waves. Not to fear, I also placed a second recorder in the meadow and captured some very talkative owls and a pack of very busy coyotes. That recording will be available next week. As always, I welcome your thoughts and hope you enjoy this episode. Thanks again for your continued support! <
S1 E13 · Thu, September 01, 2022
Sounds of Perch Lake: The Mesmerizing Persistence of the Eastern Whip-poor-will
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to the 13th episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast . This week we are, once again, on the shores of Perch Lake in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. I attended an event last week to see two authors, Jerry Dennis and Dave Dempsey, speak about their love of the Great Lakes and the challenges we could face in the years to come. Fresh water is becoming scarce and the popularity of our state as a great place to live, drawing people from all over the country to move here. The topic gave me pause, and I thought about the Eastern Whip-poor-will and how I have heard it less and less over the years. I can vividly remember countless nights listening to the Whip-poor-will as I fell asleep and their song being part of a quintessential Michigan summer. Still a presence in Northern Michigan, their numbers seem to fade as each year passes…… or we just can’t hear them over the din of human progress. That thought remained me throughout the weekend and I thought it would be a good idea to record the Eastern Whip-poor-will this week for the podcast. Of course, there are no guarantees when setting out to find a specific species, but luck was in our favor this week. This episode finds us on the shores of Perch Lake, one of my favorite birding locations. As I was setting up my recorder and microphone, a Great Egret silently hunting in the grasses and coming closer to where I was setting up startled me. I quickly grabbed my camera and cursed myself for not bringing a longer lens, but I got this photo. I was excited to record my first ever sighting of this beautiful bird, but had to get back to the task at hand as the light was fading quickly. As the Great Egret flew off to the other side of the lake, I pressed record and hiked back to my Jeep with high hopes for the next morning. You might agree we had success in capturing the whip-poor-will and I’m happy to share this recording with you. I selected a section of the recording where the song of this amazing bird is prominent and focused. You will also hear crickets, frogs and owls, but they are the supporting act for the star attraction. As always, thank you for listening and I appre
S1 E12 · Thu, August 25, 2022
Sounds of Old Mission Peninsula: Coyotes and Owls at the Old Mission Lighthouse Park
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to the 12th episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast ! This week we are taking in the hiking trails and beautiful geography of the Old Mission Point Park , on Old Mission Peninsula. The major attraction in this area, aside from the many wineries, is the Old Mission Point Lighthouse , which began service in 1870. My mantra for this area is, ‘come for the lighthouse, stay for the trails’. The hiking really is perfect, approachable for all fitness levels, and never crowded. My goal for this recording was to capture the nocturnal calls of the Barred Owl. I was successful in recording their distinctive sound, but my microphone placement could have been better. Next time! This recording is very reminiscent of a typical Northern Michigan evening. Imagine sitting in front of a campfire, watching the stars and hearing owls in the distance. A bonus in this recording is a pack of coyotes howling and hunting. This post is light on photos this week because of a corrupt SD card but I took a few with my phone. If you are in the area, then you should definitely treat yourself to a few hours on these trails. The terrain varies and the trail meanders through beautiful meadows, climax forests, deep ravines, and sandy Lake Michigan beaches. The wildlife is plentiful and vocal! As always, thank you for listening and I appreciate your support. Recording Summary: Date and Time: 8/23/2022 | 5:00 AM Location: Grand Traverse County, Michigan, USA Landscape/Feature: Old Mission Peninsula, Mission Point Hiking Trail Conditions: Night, Light Breeze, Clear Skies, Mild Temps Recording Device: Zoom F3 Microphone(s): Audio Technica BP 4025 Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe Audition Support the show Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for d
S1 E11 · Thu, August 18, 2022
Sunset at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Gentle Waves on the Beach: A Different Perspective
Send us a text Quick Note: I am on my way to Houston, Texas to help a friend pick up his new overlanding trailer . Our annual camping trip had to be postponed, so we used the time to make a road trip from Michigan to Texas. I’m taking my camera and a recorder, but I’m guessing that chances will be slim that I will have time to do any recording. Fingers crossed. Welcome to the 11th episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast ! We are still at the Peterson Road Beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes and revisiting the gentle waves from last week. I received a lot of great feedback for that episode and thought it would be fun to listen to the waves from a different perspective; the seismic activity of the waves recorded from beneath the sand on the beach. While I was recording the normal wave activity last week, I had the Zoom F3 paired with the Lom Geofón to record seismic activity. The Geofón is hand built in Slovenia by a cool group of field recordists and engineers. Getting one of their microphones is an effort as they don’t build many and the demand is very high. They will announce when an item is planned to be in inventory and then it is a mad dash to get your order confirmed before they sell out. There is a reason their gear is in such demand! Their version of the geophone is an omnidirectional microphone that has been adjusted specifically for field recording. For this session, I used the spike adapter so I could easily capture the sound from beneath the ground. This recording is around 25 minutes and very different from what one might consider a natural soundscape. I find the sound to be very hypnotic and feel a sense of calm as I listen. This may come across as abstract, but this is the sound I would conjure up in my head if someone asked me to describe the heartbeat of Lake Michigan. Let me know if you agree!! As always, I love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for areas to record. Have a great week! Recording Summary: Date and Time: 8/9/2022 | 9:15 PM Location: Benzie County, Michigan, USA Landscape/Feature: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore | Peterson Road Beach Conditions: Sunny, Warm, Gentle Wind Recording Device: <a href='https://adorama.rfvk
S1 E10 · Thu, August 11, 2022
Sounds of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Gentle Waves on the Beach at Sunset
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Welcome to the 10th episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast ! The weather has been a mix of rain and wind for days and life has been hectic, so I welcomed the promise of a beach sunset to reset my soul. The Peterson Road Beach at Sleeping Bear Dunes in one of my favorite beaches, so without hesitation, I loaded up my gear and made the 45 minute drive to my secret parking spot. I love beaches but hate walking on sand with a backpack, so found a spur trail that avoids most of the sand and gets me to a spot that is usually void of people. Except for a family gathering about a half mile away, I had the entire stretch of beach to myself. I brought the Zoom F6 and the Audio Technica BP 4025 to record the waves as they rolled in to the shore. It was a far cry from the week before where I witnessed 4-6’ waves crashing the beach and sand stinging my exposed skin. I also brought the Zoom F3 and the Lom Geofón microphone to experiment with recording the seismic activity of the wave motion. I stayed at the beach until midnight and loved every minute. As the sun went down, the waves also settled down and fell into a gentle rhythm. I know I say this every week, but I think this is one of my favorite recordings. The full recording is 3 hours, but this episode captures the character of the evening spent on the beach in just 30 minutes. This is great for headphones, as you can hear the subtle differences between the left and right channels and the individual sounds as the water hits the sand. It’s mesmerizing and, if I dare say, a perfect way to fall asleep. Let me know your thoughts and if you’d like me to upload the entire recording. Recording Summary: Date and Time: 8/9/2022 | 9:15 PM Location: Benzie County, Michig
S1 E9 · Thu, August 04, 2022
Sounds of the North Country Trail: Nocturnal Wildlife or Things That Purr in the Night
Send us a text Welcome to the 9th episode of the Nature is my Jam Podcast ! I have been spending a lot of time hiking sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) that are near my house. This episode finds us next to an unnamed lake that sits between Guernsey Lake and the Sand Lakes area in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. This is a very cool section of trail because it intersects with the Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway and the Kalkaska to Traverse City Trail (K to TC Trail), which combines several trails to create a route between the two towns. The K to TC Trail is also part of the annual Iceman Cometh Mountain Bike Race . I headed out towards the Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground to scope out the campsites and geographic features of the area. I will spend a few nights at this campground soon, but as I was looking at the map on Gaia , I saw a small unnamed lake that had a steep ridge on one side and was on the NCT. This type of terrain always interests me because I can use the ridge to minimize external noise pollution and it also means wildlife will probably use the trail to make their way to the lake. Nightfall was approaching, so I found a place to park that was only 1.5 miles away from the lake. The trail is extremely well-marked and the strategic placement of markers where multiple trail systems intersected is a welcome touch. As I approached the lake, I noticed a stand of phragmites (an invasive species) in the middle of the small lake being circled by thousands of European Starlings (also an invasive species but ubiquitous in Michigan). As I watched the birds circling and roosting in the invasive reeds, I wondered if I could capture them as they departed in the morning. Imagining a loud whooshing sound as thousands of birds awoke and took off to start their day, I placed my recorder next to the lake in some tall grass and pointed the microphone in their direction. Overnight recording using a drop rig is one of my favorite ways to record natural soundscapes. I can place the recorder and leave for several hours or days, which minimizes my presence and minimizes the disruption to local wildlife. I believe I get a truer representation of the natural patterns and cycles o
S1 E8 · Thu, July 28, 2022
Windy Night at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a plethora of recreational opportunities…. Hiking, birding, camping, sand dunes, rolling hills, deep woods, wildlife, ghost towns and the list goes on. In terms of time, it’s a safe bet I spend weeks there annually since it is less than 30 minutes from my house. On this recording occasion, I camped at the Platte River Campground and explored the Platte Plains Hiking Trail as it runs directly from the campsite. The Lasso Loop will take you along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan and into rolling hills with thick forests, lakes and swamps. There was a promise of a thunderstorm, so I was looking forward to capturing the sounds of the storm. I found a large White Pine that was struck by lightning a few years back and placed my microphones underneath a section of the tree that had split to give the microphones protection. I hiked 4 miles back to the campsite to hunker down for what was surely going to be a magnificent display of thunder and lightning. Alas, I should have known better. The weather in northern Michigan is never as predictable as we might like and the thunderstorm never materialized, but the wind put on a great and boisterous show. The wind roared all night and the tree where I placed my microphones created a wind tunnel effect that produced what I can best describe as natural white noise. There are subtle tonal variations, sections of howling wind and creaking trees. Fair warning, there is a plan passing overhead in this recording, but this might be the one time where I feel actually enhances the soundscape. I hope you enjoy and please let me know your thoughts! I recorded this soundscape using the Zoom F3 Field Recorder and the Sonorous Objects SO.1 Microphone pair. Recording Summary Date and Time: 7/20/2022 | 1:30 AM Location: Honor, Michigan USA Landscape/Feature: Sleeping Bear Dunes | Platte Plains Hiking Trail Conditions: Cloudy, Hot, Humid, Heavy Wind Recording Device: Zoom F3 Field Recorder Microphone(s): Sonorous Objects SO.1 Digital Audio Workstation: Adobe Audition <a rel="payment" href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nimj
S1 E7 · Thu, July 21, 2022
Valley of the Giants at Dawn
Send us a text I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. World Listening Day found me logging miles on the North Country Scenic Trail (NCT) on my way to the aptly named, “Valley of the Giants”. This section of the trail will take you down a semi-steep descent into a valley of old growth forest that features a meandering creek and several beaver ponds. While a popular hike for locals, it isn’t uncommon to be the only one around for miles. The Grand Traverse Hiking Club maintains the Valley of the Giants section of the NCT. This club is also responsible for the trail system (101 miles) running from Hodenpyl Dam to Starvation Lake. We join this recording as dawn approaches. Twentytwo Creek is flowing and cascading through downed Cedar Trees and thick grasses. The soothing sounds of the creek are interrupted by what I think is a Scarlet Tanager as daylight breaks. Not to be outdone by the early bird, a Winter Wren steals the show with its spirited song that lasts for several minutes. Of course, it wouldn’t be Northern Michigan without also hearing from the Robin’s and Blue Jay’s. I recorded this soundscape using the Zoom F3 Field Recorder and the Sonorous Objects SO.1 Microphone pair. This combination has become my favorite rig for hiking and overnight recording. Date & Time: | 6/19/2022 | 5:30 AM Location: | Traverse City, Michigan USA Landscape/Feature: | Valley of the Giants on the North Country Trail Conditions: | Clear. Light Wind, Humid, Hot Recording Device: | Zoom F3 Field Recorder Microphone: | Sonorous Objects SO.1 Digital Audio Workstation: | Adobe Audition Support the show Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.
S1 E6 · Thu, July 14, 2022
Dawn Chorus at Perch Lake
Send us a text Date & Time: | 6/10/2022 | 5:00 AM Location: | Traverse City, Michigan USA Landscape/Feature: | Perch Lake Conditions: | Clear, Light Wind, Cool Recording Device: | Zoom H5 Handy Recorder Microphone: | DIY SASS Microphone using EM272’s Digital Audio Workstation: | Adobe Audition I would like to thank everyone that has donated or otherwise supported Nature is my Jam by liking, following, sharing and/or subscribing to the podcast. Your support goes directly to creating future episodes and allows this podcast to be ad-free and 100% listener supported. Your kindness means the world to me and I hope you might feel inspired to explore the natural areas where you live. Show Notes I recorded this soundscape during a location scouting trip around my local forest. There is a small lake near our house that, for lack of a better term, punches above its weight as it relates to wildlife diversity. It is one of my favorite spots for birding. While it is a named lake (Perch Lake) on a named road (Perch Lake Road), it is still off the beaten path, so there is a very good chance that you will be the only one there. The lake is essentially in a bowl and surrounded by rolling hills on all sides, which appear to be a great conduit for wildlife. It is not uncommon to hear turkeys in the distance, deer crashing through the brush and the calls of at least 7-10 birds. For a fairly isolated location, the birds come in close, which you will hear in this recording. The geography of the lake, paired with the surrounding hills, makes for interesting reverberations of sound and booming echoes. I recorded this session using the Zoom H5. This is actually the first serious recording device I ever purchased and while many consider it to be entry level and lacking a lot of features, it has always treated me well. The H5 doesn’t get used as much as it used to, but it is great for scouting locations. I can use a drop rig and come back the next day to see if the location is conducive to more in-depth recordings. I’m hesitant to call this recording a success because it is ripe with road noise (subtle but present) but the sheer number of different birds featured makes it a worthwhile listen, IMHO. Partial Bird Listing Tufted Titmouse Turkey Black-capped Chickadee American Robin Red-winged Blackbird (quite vocal too) Northern Cardinal Mourning Dove Eastern Kingbird Northern Flicker Red-eyed Vireo Ovenbird Whip-poor-will There is a lot going on in this recording, so I’m certain I missed a few bird calls, so please let me know what you heard! You will also hear wings flapping and a strange splash twice in the recording. Any guesses what that could have been?? <a
S1 E5 · Wed, July 06, 2022
Evening Wetlands Recording at Muncie Lakes Pathway and North Country Scenic Trail Intersection
Send us a text Northern Michigan suffers an embarrassment of riches with access to natural resources and trail systems. Where I live is no exception. Just a few miles from my house, the prolific North Country Scenic Trail intersects with a local trail called the Muncie Lakes Pathway . I like to call this area a “pick your own adventure” waiting to happen. Used year-round by locals AND visitors, these trails provide ample recreational opportunities such as cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain bikes, etc. There is also a sister trail for Equestrians that intermingles with the pathway. The North Country Scenic Trail is the longest in the National Trails System, stretching an eye-watering and drool-worthy 4800 miles across eight states. Michigan proudly hosts the most NCT trail miles, accounting for 550 in the lower peninsula and then stretching another 600 miles across the upper peninsula. Not to be outdone by the NCT, Muncie Lakes Pathway is part of the Pete Marquette State Forest and a local treasure. The pathway is around 12 miles of rolling hills and hardwood forests that bump up against the Boardman River and several small lakes and wetland areas. It is extremely popular for cross-country skiing, mountain biking and hiking. There is a sister trail for Equestrians intermingles with the pathway. The aforementioned intersection of the NCT and the Pathway is my favorite section of the trail. There is a large (ish) wetlands area that I refer to as the ghost swamp because of the hundreds of dead trees that rise like bony fingers from a watery grave. It isn’t foreboding though, because it teems with life and also appears meadow-like with its long grasses and native shrubs circle the perimeter. I visit this area at least once a week and usually bring my dog, Sammie, with me. She loves hiking this section and could be a trail guide because she knows it so well. Because of its popularity and proximity to Traverse City, this is a challenging area to record and most attempts have been less than stellar. However, I keep trying and always come away with at least a minute or two of something I hadn’t heard before. This recording comes from an overnight recording session on 6/9/2022. I used the Zoom F6 Field Recorder with the Sonorous Objects SO.1 microphone pair setup in a “tree hugger” configuration. In between the seemingly endless planes and big block truck engines, I got a pleasing section. Fair warning: there is some light t
S1 E4 · Wed, June 29, 2022
Waves Crashing at Fisherman's Island State Park in Charlevoix, Michigan
Send us a text This week I felt a desire to head further north than my home base of Traverse City to explore some areas that I have heard about but have never visited yet. I looked at the map and Charlevoix immediately spoke to me. I know Charlevoix well and my wife and I are always happy to visit, but all of our trips are almost boating related and centered in the downtown area. Today, I visited Fisherman’s Island State Park , which is located right on Lake Michigan and not too far from downtown Charlevoix. Please show your support for this show by making a donation . Your contribution helps immensely and allows me to continue going into the field to create these natural soundscapes for your listening pleasure. Your contribution goes directly to the support of this podcast and allows me the ability to create ad-free content for you to enjoy without interruption. The park is next to a cement plant, so I have to admit that my expectations were low. The plant looms over the horizon and is visible for miles from the water and I had an uneasy feeling that its presence would dominate the landscape around the park too. Spoiler alert: While you can see the cement plant driving into and for the first mile into the park, it disappears from view and becomes a distant thought after a couple of minutes. The park itself comprises nearly 3000 acres of dunes, rolling hills, hardwood forests and pristine lakeshore. Speaking of lakeshore, Fisherman’s Island State Park has over 6 miles of unspoiled and beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline. On the day I visited, I only saw 3 other people on the beach and at least a mile or more separated us. Traffic was very light as well, making the wind and crashing waves the only sounds. For the soundscape recording, I selected an area of the shoreline with lots of breaks from submerged rocks to take advantage of the blustery weather. Waves crashing almost creates a white noise effect, which I love. As the water cascaded over the sandbar, I placed the microphone far enough back that I could record it. I recorded for 2 hours and had the entire area to myself. On the day I visited, it was very windy and cool. I can’t imagine a place this amazing is always devoid of crowds. Date & Time: | 6/27/2022 | 230PM Location: | Charlevoix, Michigan USA Park Name: | Fisherman’s Island State Park Conditions: | Cool, Windy, Overcast Recording Device: | Zoom F3 Field Recorder Microphone: | Audio Technica BP 4025 Digital Audio Workstatio
S1 E3 · Tue, June 21, 2022
Is the Sound Glass Half Empty or Half Full? Dawn Recording in My Backyard....
Send us a text Being a person who absolutely loves the sound of nature, I can be a glass half empty or half full, depending on my location and conditions. This week, I think I find myself squarely in the middle of the age-old debate. My weekend recording plan went sideways from the beginning, so I was scrambling yesterday to come up with a recording to share this week. My wife and I spent a few days on the boat and dropped anchor in one of our favorite anchorages, Bowers Harbor, which is on the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, Michigan. The plan was to do an overnight recording from the rear cockpit while we slept to capture the essence of a night on the hook. We were literally the only boat anchored in the harbor, so there was a whiff of potential success in the air as I pushed record. As always, the Zoom F6 and Audio Technica BP 4025 microphone performed flawlessly, but I quickly dashed my excitement as I scrubbed through the files. Voices that carried across the lake overwhelmed this perfect scene in the perfect location. I can’t be mad because it was a beautiful night, and it was the sound of cheerful people having a bonfire on the beach….. and they were very cheerful until around 6AM. I tried editing the files to get some usable audio, but luck wasn’t on my side. Not wanting to give up and skip an episode, I took a chance on setting up my gear in the backyard. I am very fortunate to live on a small inland lake in northern Michigan. While it is a rural location, there are main roads to the north and south and the house is next to a meandering road called Hobbs Highway. It really isn’t a highway, but gets a few cars per hour even through the night. Until I started taking field recording seriously, I always thought our location was the perfect spot to listen to nature. We are on a lake with a marshy area on the property next to us. We live in the middle of nowhere and people are pretty quiet out here…… but….. the sound of airplanes, cars, air conditioners, etc can be like nails on a chalkboard for me. I hear it all now. Going back to the half empty or full question, should I give this too much thought? I live in paradise, for crying out loud. I’m lucky to call this place home, so why do I let some fairly minimal noise pollution ruin it for me? This recording isn’t perfect but I think it is good. You will hear some lingering airplanes and a few cars, but once you get past that, you will hear the Robins waking up and the deer snorting as they stir. I am sharing it with you with a glass half full mindset. I hope you enjoy! Support the show Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.
S1 E2 · Tue, June 14, 2022
Overnight Recording at Perch Lake
Send us a text This is part of an overnight recording from the shore of Perch Lake in Traverse City, Michigan USA. The lake is on forest land owned by the State of Michigan and is very close to the VASA trail system. It is around 2.5 to 3 miles from the nearest paved road, but noise pollution is still present most of the time. This recording has minimal noise pollution as a result of combining two clips from the same night. I recorded this soundscape with the Zoom F6 Field Recorder and the Audio Technica BP 4025 stereo microphone. Please consider contributing to Nature is my Jam if you have enjoyed this podcast. Your contributions go directly to creating new episodes and will ensure this podcast remains ad-free and 100% supported by the listeners. Support the show Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.
S1 E1 · Tue, June 07, 2022
Early Pre-Dawn Recording of Wetlands Activity along the Muncie Lakes Pathway
Send us a text This soundscape is part of a longer recording that ran overnight along the Muncie Lakes Pathway in Traverse City, Michigan USA on 5/25/2022 around 2:30 AM. In this recording, we are overlooking a wetlands area that looks like a cross between a vernal pool and a swamp. I would guess the area is 25 acres and has a mix of cedar, pine, hardwoods, and long grasses. A hiking trail runs along one side of the area and a two-track dirt road on the other. There is logging in the area but remains a popular hiking trail all year long. I recorded this soundscape with the Zoom F6 Field Recorder with a matching pair of Sonorous Objects SO.1 microphones. I introduced some noise to the recording in post-processing by pushing the gain too high to better hear the frogs. Despite the slight noise in the recording, it is still worth listening to because it has a very curious deer throughout and also features the rare call of the Eastern Whip-poor-will near the end. Please consider contributing to Nature is my Jam if you have enjoyed this podcast. Your contributions go directly to creating new episodes and will ensure this podcast remains ad-free and 100% supported by the listeners. Support the show Thanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.
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