I think it’s important that I share my Nocturnal Migration journey with people, as it’s not only a massive learning curve for me, it might also help others make less mistakes if they decide to join in on the hype. Once you get your first bird, whatever it is, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, it is very satisfying and once you hit something you never thought you’d ever get, it quickly becomes addictive! I cannot wait to check my recordings in the morning to see what might be on there and as the days go on and the list grows, it’s really becoming quite an important data resource. This is why i’ve logged all my sightings in a datasheet, that includes weather details, file names, amount of calls ect ect. You will get addicted to it eventually, and the weather conditions really mix things up during migration as winds are forever changing.
I started off with a simple setup, utilising my older Zoom H6 recorder with it’s built in stereo mics. I powered it with a USB Battery pack to last longer than AA batteries and simply threw it inside a plastic container with a windsock over the top but if it was due to rain, this is easily waterproofed with cling-film! I didn’t believe it when craig told me this is what people are using but it really does work and is surprisingly transparent. I managed to record so much with this setup, and though the files aren’t very pleasing to listen to, it still does the job! I still use this setup on days of heavy rain forecast as it’s small and easy to waterproof.
My preferred setup so far is using my Shotgun Mic which is a Sennheiser ME67. I did plan on selling this mic as it wasn’t getting used as much since I bought a parabolic dish but it’s a perfect tool for the Job and it’s really convenient for me to trail the cable out of the shed where my Zoom H6 is plugged into the power supply. The downside to this setup though is rain! Microphones do not like to get wet and anything electrics you seriously have to be careful. Some people have wrapped their shotgun in clingfilm but I’ve come up with a more dramatic solution, making the most of my garden furniture. It’s still not perfect though and I would feel much better if I could house it inside something. My shed doesn’t have windows and the door is facing the wrong way but I’m sure I’ll come up with something.
As you’ll see below, I’ve had quite a variety so far but I’ll organise these better as time goes on and I accumulate some good examples for you to reference from.