I joined CMBO’s Advanced Birding by Ear workshop recently. Led by the master, Michael O’Brien, the workshop demonstrated just how far one can take listening. Those seeps and zeets are not, in fact, all alike if you listen carefully and hear the notes well.
I mentioned to Michael that I love to hear a call note twice, and he readily agreed, adding that “A call heard twice is more than twice as good as a call heard once.” After hearing the first note, you can turn to the sound, focus, and really assess whether the next note is rising or falling, burry or pure.
But to hear the second note, you must hear the first note, and that’s where walking quietly comes in. Swishy clothes, crunchy gravel, and talking are not at all conducive to good listening.
Perhaps to the chagrin of groups I lead, my preferred pace while actively looking for birds (as opposed to moving from one birding spot to another) might best be described as an ooze – each step made slowly, feet placed carefully, much stopping and looking. This is in part so I, and they, can hear better. The more slowly you move, the more quietly you move, so it is easier to hear songs and calls.
About placing the feet: whenever you have a choice, step on the quieter substrate. If there is a grassy margin along a gravel path or road, walk on the grass, for example. If leaves are scattered on the trail, or branches that snap under foot, avoid them. Put your feet down softly, heel first, and roll the foot forward. Choose softer-soled light-hikers over big boots with hard lug soles.
The upshot is, if you want to hear well, BE QUIET. Avoid talking, walking, rustling clothing, moving, or even breathing hard. If you must, even step away from companions who are making noise. During the World Series of Birding, it is routine for team members to stand a few paces apart, close enough to talk but far enough away to prevent any listening interference.
And do field trip leaders everywhere a favor. If the leader stops suddenly and cocks his or her ear, do the same immediately. This will allow you, and the leader, hear that second note and perhaps track down a really good bird.