The Australian Wildlife Sound Recording Group (AWSRG) currently has around 70 members. We come from all walks of life - most of us are enthusiastic and knowledgeable amateurs, while some are researchers or students, and a few publish their recordings professionally. Some members do not count themselves as particularly active recordists at all, but have an abiding interest and involvement. Several of our active members are from overseas, and visit our shores regularly. Our gatherings are often attended by supportive partners who may not necessarily care which end of a microphone was which, but who nonetheless enliven proceedings. Very pleasantly. Overall, we consider ourselves to be a friendly and informal group, who share an interest in nature and sound recording, and a desire to foster this gentle activity and its increasingly relevant body of knowledge.

What do we offer our members?

Journal and CD:

Twice a year, a journal and CD are published from member's contributions, and circulated to members. These publications are central to the communication and sharing that exists within the group. The journal is an opportunity for members to publish articles about their field of expertise, interest or research, and learn about nature sound recording and upcoming group activities. The CD facilitates the sharing of interesting sound recordings among members, and can be a vehicle for comparative analysis. We have stressed that what makes an interesting recording, even a rare and valuable one, is not necessarily based on sound quality, so all members are encouraged to contribute recordings, regardless of equipment or expertise.

Workshops:

Every two years we gather for around 4-5 days for a series of workshops at a regional location that offers good sound recording and nature opportunities. Nature recording can be a relatively solitary activity, so this is our opportunity to meet other recordists, share ideas and forge friendships. Workshops often cover a variety of topics such as archiving, editing and computer processing of sound files, member's field travels, research results and projects. Even when the subject may be tangential to one's own interests, the perspective gained from sharing the knowledge of other recordists is rewarding. We now regularly invite a guest speaker from overseas to attend our biennial gathering.

Fieldcraft:

Fieldcraft is the skill of recording in the field; understanding the behaviour of birds and animals, and how to get the best out of your equipment to optimise your recordings. It is more of an art than a science, and accompanying an experienced recordist in the field can be an invaluable way of learning. Our workshops and gatherings are thus an opportunity for members to develop their fieldcraft skills and knowledge of nature.

Technical or equipment advice:

The range of microphones and sound recording equipment currently on the market is huge and continually changing. Taking into account second-hand options, or even home-made or custom-modified rigs, this area is quite limitless. Whilst individual members are able to make specific comments, as a group we suggest the best resource for inquiries of this nature is to join the international email list 'Nature Recordists' at: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/naturerecordists/