Abigail Baffoe: My soundscape ecology journey

I remember the day I started my soundscape ecology project with my mentor Emmanuel Baffoe. We set out into the wilderness, equipped with state-of-the-art microphones and recorders generously provided by Earth.fm. I was blown away by the quality of the equipment – the microphones were incredibly sensitive, and the recorders sleek and powerful. 

We spent hours recording the sounds of the forest, and I was amazed by the complexity and beauty of the natural world. The rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the gentle hum of insects all came together to create a symphony of sound that was both familiar and yet completely new to me.

Emmanuel, a newly trained soundscape ecologist, shared his knowledge and guided me through the process. He pointed out the different species we were recording, explaining their unique characteristics and habits. I was fascinated by the way he could identify specific birds and animals based on their calls and sounds, and I was eager to learn more. As we walked through the forest, he shared stories of his experiences in the field, and I was inspired by his passion and dedication to this discipline.

One of the most memorable moments came when we recorded a rare bird species in its natural habitat. Its song was hauntingly beautiful, and I felt privileged to have captured it. Emmanuel smiled, nodding in agreement; we both knew that this was a special moment. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and I felt grateful to have had the opportunity to witness it. 

We spent several minutes listening to the recording, analysing the different frequencies and patterns in the bird’s song. Doing this helped me to gain a deeper understanding of soundscape ecology and the importance of sound in understanding our environment. We discussed the ways in which sound can be used to monitor and study ecosystems, and I was amazed by the wealth of information that can be gathered through acoustic monitoring. I realized that soundscape ecology is not just about recording sounds but about understanding the complex relationships between species and their environments.

This experience taught me the value of patience and attention to detail when recording nature sounds. I learned that every sound, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, is an important part of the larger soundscape. I also learned the importance of context and setting, when recording sounds,and how the environment and time of day can affect the sounds that are captured.

These lessons will be invaluable as I continue to explore the world of soundscape ecology. Looking to the future, I’m excited to apply to my own projects the skills and knowledge I’ve gained. I’m eager to explore new ways to use soundscape ecology to better understand and protect our environment. This experience has sparked a new passion within me, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such a knowledgeable mentor. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey in soundscape ecology and seeing where it takes me.

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Featured photo: Field recording test.
All photos courtesy of Samuel Kudjodzi, Emmanuel Baffoe, Abigail Baffoe