Notes from the Field ... Your Notes!

We asked what your relationship is to birds, what they add to your lives. Here are some answers –

Here's an audio postcard from Vancouver, Washington:

^{White-crowned Sparrow by Jerry McFarland, Flickr Creative Commons}

Teddy P. tells us:

I provide a heated birdbath from below freezing to consistent above freezing and a feeder as well. I like to think I'm bettering myself, which in turn I hope makes a positive impact on the birds around me — just by listening to BirdNote!

And a listener in Seattle sends this postcard from her back yard, a sanctuary for birds:
^{Dark-eyed Junco by Rodney Campbell, Creative Commons}

Another listener sends us these great comments:
I schedule my mornings around listening to BirdNote. I've been birding for 50 years, and it is by far the best birding program I've heard.  It's especially important to me that it includes information about conservation of habitat, and what can be done to help. The writing and delivery are excellent, and I appreciate how much information is packed into just a few minutes. Congratulations, BirdNote staff and supporters!

An audio postcard from a listener in England!
^{Blue Tit by Jeff and Jan Cohen, Flickr Creative Commons}
And Liz C. writes:

I put up a Western Bluebird nest box and offer bluebirds mealworm treats. I have four different bird baths for hummingbirds, Hooded Orioles, Violet-green Swallows, finches, even the ubiquitous sparrows. 4th gorgeous bluebird blue egg laid this morn!

Your turn! Send us a line, or create your own audio postcard. Here's how:
 
Jot down a couple of notes about what you might like to talk about, the story you want to tell. It doesn't have to be complete. It's more a way of making sure you know what you want to say before you start. Then...

Find a recording location without too much background noise if you can, one that’s sheltered from the wind. (That last bit's really important. And keep in mind that while you may not even be able to hear the wind, the microphone will.) You can include natural bird sounds if you'd like, but you don't have to.

Open the memo recorder on your smartphone.
 
Hold the phone about 12 inches away from your mouth, relax, and speak in a normal voice, like you're talking with a close friend who's standing right next to you.
 
Record your story (2 minutes max) and save the sound file to your phone.
 
Have a listen to it and see what you think. If you don't like it, have another go.
 
Once you have a version you like, use the transfer icon on your phone to email your file to us, with "Audio Postcard" in the title.

We look forward to hearing from you. And thanks!