Give and Take: Cicadas and the Mountain Breeze

An Unknown Night Bird on the Lake

This field recording captures a mysterious and repetitive bird call that echoed across my remote paddle-in campsite one night. I was on the Lake James State Park, Long Arm Peninsula area in NC. The persistent call was loud enough to wake me from my sleep. I'm unable to identify the bird, and I invite listeners to contact me with any ideas about what it might be! Thanks! - Matt (OK, I admit... the selfie is a bit dramatic, compared to the sound of the bird... but it was fun to take.)

Daybreak on the Cove, Paddle In Camping

This recording captures the sounds of a peaceful awakening on a remote waterside campsite. The serene trill of a nearby owl at daybreak signals the end of the night, just as the chorus of bird songs saturates the air. The hum of an approaching motorboat turns into a subtle growl as it moves closer, from across the hidden cove. A new day has arrived. (Recorded by Matt Mittan)

Camping Sounds: Drifting off to Sleep

In this recording, I slide into my sleeping bag just as a gentle night rain starts to hit my tent. Then as I drift off to sleep the night insects sound takes over, creating a perfect soundscape for rest and relaxation. (Recorded by Matt Mittan, Southern Appalachian Forest)

Give and Take: Cicadas and the Mountain Breeze

Enjoy this field recording capturing the enchanting, otherworldly chorus of cicadas in the remote wilderness of Western North Carolina. Just as their powerful, rhythmic buzzing reaches its peak, a cool early summer breeze begins to blow off the nearby lake and through the trees, creating a beautiful give and take. The sound of the rustling leaves momentarily swells, gently quieting the hum of the insects. Then, as the breeze subsides, their chorus returns to fill the Southern Appalachian Mountain air. (Recorded by Matt Mittan)

Spring Storm, Under a Tarp: Pisgah National Forest

We got the recorder out, overnight in the Pisgah National Forest (NC), to capture audio of a spring thunderstorm - from beneath our simple tarp shelter. The rhythm of rainfall patters steadily, occasionally punctuated by thunder rolling as it marches out across the mountains. Enjoy this intimate 45 minutes in nature, minimal shelter, and connection to the elements. Let it carry you into the forest.  Love, Matt & Michele