Avian operatics

Canarysong

(if you have tabbed browsing, click to another then come back to read, or whatever.)

Well, after many hours of hair-pulling frustration over several weeks, have finally managed to figure out how to get a simple soundtrack onto the Internet. (I think) but still don't know how to post one of those click here plus volume control thingos.

Am an oldish fogie. Once upon a time would just ask a few friends round for a BBQ or dinner party, and ya could just share and listen fer yerself. No frustrating electronic intermediaries.

There are two canaries just outside my kitchen window. One male, one female, and in a fit of extreme individualist creative imagination, have named them C1 and C2. (well, being yellow, they began as Cadmium1 and Colourful2, as distinct from Banana1 and Banana2 - but expediency overcomes creativity.)

The name “canary” comes from islands in the Atlantic apparently originally named by the Romans "Dog" (Canis) Islands, but over time and the vagaries of shifting linguistics, became known as the “Canary” Islands.

Both are, basically, finches; and should be greenish-black. However, these birds could produce a joyous sound and, over time, breeders began to alter the physical characteristics of the birds. There are now many varieties of these birds. (and no, god didn't wave a magic wand, in this case humans controlled the genetic manipulation within very recent history.)

The male is called a “Roller” canary, in that the trills it produces seem to just 'roll' out of its throat. Such a tiny thing, barely 10cm (4.5 inches) from beak to tip of tail, and yet the volume of sound is incredible.

It is, however, very shy, and falls silent if a human is within eyeshot. It is only the male who “sings”, apparently to inveigle the female to “squat” for him. (poor little bugga. He's been singing constantly fer the past six weeks. Apparently she's not interested, but he's got Buckley's choice.)

The 'highlights' don't continuously happen, though the trilling happens throughout the day, and is only a small sample of the rich variation of notes produced and if you are patient, some of the richness begins about halfway into the recording.

The recording was done with a video camera set up on a tripod. Yes, I have 45 minutes of video. The 'soundtrack' was transferred to tape cassette, then edited and converted to MP3 through Magix music maker 2005 silver. The recording is approx 7 minutes, and has been uploaded to OurMedia.

Since this is my first attempt at “podcasting”, have no idea what happens at the “listeners” end. (sheesh, much quicker and easier to post a video.) Detailed technical feedback is requested.

Canary Islands (Wikipedia)
Pet Canaries
Caring for Canaries
Pic of strange breeds
An example of a breeder's art.