Perspectives on Wildlife Sound Recording

An Overview of Modern Practice

Mark Ferguson

A collection of fascinating interviews with leading wildlife sound recordists from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of techniques and approaches.
Provides a comprehensive, community-led overview of wildlife sound recording methods and fieldcraft, incorporating global knowledge and expertise.
Includes a detailed glossary, high-quality sound recordings and a selection of fascinating images from the field.

An essential read for anyone interested in the wondrous soundscapes of nature.
—Thor Hanson, author of Buzz, Feathers and Close to Home

Subject: zoology ecology

Tags:

calls
Coming Soon
identification
recording
sounds
wildlife

Description

In this fascinating collection of interviews, award-winning sound recordist Mark Ferguson conducts in-depth conversations with a diverse range of wildlife sound recording practitioners. These diverse and inclusive case studies and experiences from around the world present a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge methods and inspiration from the field.

The techniques and approaches explored in each interview are complemented by a detailed glossary as well as images of recordists' fieldwork, enabling readers to contextualise and solidify their knowledge as they progress through the text. A sound library of around 150 recordings is available to download, featuring audio clips provided by each interviewee.

An inspiring book for beginning sound recordists as well as for professionals seeking to contextualise and refine their own approaches, this book is a useful resource for aspiring and established wildlife sound recordists; scientific researchers; creatives; nature photographers; filmmakers; post-production experts; and anyone with existing field-recording experience wanting to expand into wildlife sound.

DOI: 10.53061/SIIB5831

Reviews

Tips of the trade stand alongside personal stories in this fascinating exploration of wildlife sound recording. Mark Ferguson interviews top practitioners from around the world, coaxing out details of their fieldcraft as well the passions that drive them. An essential read for anyone interested in the wondrous soundscapes of nature.
— Thor Hanson, author of Buzz, Feathers, and Close to Home
Nature sound recordists are a rare breed, widely scattered and thinly dispersed. In this book, Mark Ferguson highlights what nature sound recordists have in common while showcasing a diversity of sound recording practices. What they share is a profound love of and respect for nature, and a desire to inspire others to listen to the beauty of the world. Here we learn about the various ways in which they go about it. This was a pleasure to read and will be a great resource for sound recordists, whether just starting out or wanting to deepen and expand their practice.
— Dr Sue Gould, nature sound recordist and conservation ecologist
A book of this nature is incredibly valuable to people regardless of their level of expertise. Consisting of interviews with many people involved in wildlife sound recording, it provides fine examples of techniques, equipment and fieldcraft skills. A well-crafted and informative text that I believe is a fine addition to any sound recordist’s bookshelf.
— Clive Davies, sound recordist and Chair of the Wildlife Sound Recording Society
Perspectives on Wildlife Sound Recording is a rare and illuminating collection that offers deep insight into the diverse practices of contemporary wildlife sound recordists. Through a series of engaging interviews, Mark Ferguson brings together voices from across the globe whose work spans artistic, scientific, and ecological domains. Accompanied by a wonderful selection of recordings generously shared by the contributors, the book invites readers not only to learn about the practice but to listen deeply. What makes this book especially compelling is its accessibility: it demystifies the field, showing that anyone can engage in wildlife recording regardless of technical expertise, equipment, or background. It’s an inspiring and invaluable resource for practitioners, students, and anyone curious about the sounds of the natural world.
— Prof Annie Mahtani, University of Birmingham

About the Author

Mark Ferguson is a wildlife sound recordist. His work draws attention to the sonic nuances of animal behaviour and the fascinating audible relationships between humans, wild species and their shared environments. He is currently based in Northern Ireland, where he spends most of his time documenting the habitats and hidden stories of his native Ulster countryside.