Songbirds: A Surround Sound Experience [SACD]

This project has a two-fold purpose for me. I find that most birds' songs are soothing. There are some that are piercingly annoying but they are in the minority on this cd. The surrounding brooks, small waterfalls add to the relaxation. Now, you may say that I'm reaching a bit on my next issue but I've seen and heard wonderful results. When I was a little girl, one evening I was agitated about something,and my grandmother directed my attention to a mockingbird whose song was so calming. Of course, it was mocking other birds so the song was different and fresh. I never knew what sound would come next. We lived a little ways from downtown so there weren't many other sounds the Mockingbird could incorporate other than the songs of other birds. The songs of the Mockingbird have comforted me for years since. I now live closer to the inner city and I've noticed that the Mockingbirds' repertoire consists more of sounds they hear every day from the squeaky opening of the gate, a barking dog, to the beeping when a car door is left standing open. SO I decided to 'reaquaint', if you will, them to other birds' songs. After listening to four or five cds, I chose this one because more birds are represented. When I first played it, I opened all the doors to my car and turned up the volume. One of the mockingbirds in whose 'territory' I live--and with whom my family has become friendly--came very close and perched on a cable to listen. It stayed there for as long as I was in the car. The next time, I left the car and kept the cd running. The next time I came up in the yard, the bird (or one of the mockingbirds) started singing one of the songs from the cd, a birdsong not native to our area. My son even noticed the difference. I think the Mockingbirds enjoy it more than I do.

Listening to this CD is sooooooo relaxing and uplifting! Like being outdoors on a warm Spring day. If you hate the cold Winter days, and get the blahs like I do, get this CD. By the way, the sound quality is INCREDIBLE!

I'm an artist and I find it helpful to have simple music playing in the background while I work. Nothing too rousing or complicated, just something to help my mind center and focus on the task at hand. It's also the dead of winter right now, and I'm seeking a break from my cabin fever. These recordings serve both purposes beautifully. Most albums of birdsong that I've seen have synthesized music dubbed in with it. I find those to be more about the music, which I don't like, than the nature recordings. Perhaps some find that meditative, but I hate it. This album is only birdsong. A couple tracks have the sound of running water alongside, which I could do without, but it's not overly distracting. It also immediately transports me back to my childhood. It's 78 degrees on a summer evening, the sun is setting and with it a cool breeze is picking up. I can smell the lush field grass, see the setting sun reflected off the river water, feel the mud between my toes. And the birds have started their evening chorus. It's heavenly.

The sound quality on this cd is excellent and there's not a lot of background noise, so you hear the birds clearly. The only problem I found was that the bird sounds were a little too repetitive and several times I thought the cd was sticking. I play it for my birds and they seem to enjoy it.

I used to go fishing with my family in the Forest Preserves in the Palos Hills area. We would hear all these bird songs growing up. It was so relaxing and beautiful to hear. This CD really captured the natural bird songs and sounds. When I listen to it I feel like I’m out in the woods again. It is lovely.

Many of the tasks I am assigned are routine, repetative, and require intense concentration. The work flows easily with bird song playing in the background. It sounds as if I were sitting in the fields or forests with the birds. I can hear trees rustling, water flowing, and the breeze as the birds call to one another. It's the closest thing to being there that I know of.

While I enjoy birds and bought this because of the SACD 5.1 the grinding tape noise is too loud and defeats the purpose of SACD. The water noise half way through maybe put in to cover the tape noise????

I just love this one for relaxation and restoration. Good during yoga. Good at bedtime. Good when you want to relax. Would even be a great one for a spa visit CD. I've loved all of Dan Gibson's Solitudes' but this one with familiar bird songs just reminds me of home in the spring and summer seasons. A very warm memory, for sure.