Thoughts and Comments please

[JB Owens]

Hi folks

I need your expertise as I am still a "professional amateur"
and sort of an analog guy in a digital world.

I have posted two sound files on SoundCloud which were recorded in the Everglades National Park (Florida)

http://soundcloud.com/fishsongs/shark-valley-march-19-2003
http://soundcloud.com/fishsongs/shark-valley-alligator-march

They were recorded while walking about with a Sharp MD recorder and cheap microphone, in 2003 and 2005.

One recording is of a male alligator seeking a mate. I could not see the "gator" in the tall sawgrass but was able to get fairly close. (My rule of thumb is to give an alligator either 10 feet of space or 10 toes.) In the background you can also hear a Miccosukee Indian airboat which was about one mile from my gator friend and myself.

The other recording was made while I was walking beside the sawgrass marsh. It was quiet and my gator friend had found what he was looking for, or was planning his strategy.

I would appreciate any opinions or thoughts.

Cheers

JB
(I have also posted this to my blog)

[Vicki Powys]

Hi JB,

I listened to your sounds, comments would be that it is better not to be actually walking in long grass and recording at the same time (too much crackly interference). I liked the gators though, made my headphones vibrate!

[Richard Ranft]

thanks JB, nice sounds. I'd love to hear the 'gator sounds closer, notwithstanding your sensible rule of thumb about distance! If you get another opportunity, a good directional mic would help.