Nature Is My Jam

Fading Light on Otter Creek

Send us a textIt 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 AMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreLandscape/Feature: Otter CreekConditions: 61F (16C), Overnight, Light Breeze that changed to GustingRecording Device: Zoom F3 Field RecorderMicrophone(s): Audio Technica BP4025Support the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

Moody Morning on the Beach

Send us a textI 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 AMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreLandscape/Feature: Peterson Road Beach and Surrounding DunesConditions: 49F (9.5C), Sunrise, Cloudy, Misty, RainRecording Device: Zoom F3 Field RecorderMicrophone(s): Sonorous Objects SO.101 (matched pair in stereo configuration)Support the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

Spring Peepers in Concert: Return to Boekeloo Lodge

Send us a textI 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 PMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreLandscape/Feature: Boekeloo Lodge and the surrounding pondConditions: 59F (15C), Sunset, Golden Hour, Light Breeze, Pleasant ConditionsRecording Device: Zoom F3 Field RecorderMicrophone(s): LÖM BasicUcho matched pair microphone(s)Support the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

Sounds of Sleeping Bear Dunes: High Noon at the Boekeloo Lodge

Send us a textI 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 place for photographers and nature lovers to visit.Recording Details:Date and Time: 5/15/2023 | 12:15 PMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreLandscape/Feature: Boekeloo Lodge and Surrounding AreaConditions: 59F (15C), Bright, Sunny, Strong Breeze, Pleasant ConditionsRecording Device: Zoom F3 Field RecorderMicrophone(s): Audio Technica BP4025 Stereo MicrophoneSupport the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.

Dawn Chorus at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Send us a textQuick 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 Details:Date and Time: 5/5/2023 | 5:45AMLocation: Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreLandscape/Feature: Otter CreekConditions: 49F (10C), Sunrise, Slight Breeze, Mild ConditionsRecording Device: Zoom F3 Field RecorderMicrophone(s): SR3D Binaural Microphone Kit fitted with Sonorous Objects SO.1 MicrophonesSupport the showThanks for listening! ❤️ Your support means the world to me. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for daily updates.