Based on the research of Dr. Kenneth Schmidt and colleagues
The last time you took a walk through the woods or a meadow, you may have admired the towering trees, a boldly patterned butterfly, or a beautifully plumaged bird. But were you aware of the sounds around you—from both wildlife and human sources? This complete set of sounds is called a “soundscape.”
How are soundscapes used?
Animals use soundscapes to gather information about their surroundings: from the location of food and potential mates, to the presence of predators. For example, tufted titmice give alarm and mobbing calls upon detecting predators such as a red-shouldered hawk or bobcat. Other species eavesdrop on these alarm calls to avoid being eaten.
Soundscapes also help researchers monitor the presence and abundance of wildlife, as well as the impacts of environmental change. The absence of landscape sounds due to the disappearance of sensitive species might warn us of the effects of climate change or pollutants.
For example, areas that once enjoyed the Louisiana waterthrush’s sweet song are falling silent. Their decline may be caused by forest stream acidification and less abundant aquatic prey, and the spread of the hemlock woolly adelgid, a pest that has reduced stream-side trees used for nesting.
Our study of local soundscapes
Researchers at Cary Institute monitor and manipulate the local soundscape using recordings and audio devices. In this way, we are building our understanding of how organisms use and value specific sounds in their environment.
Studies conducted over the past 15 years have led to interesting discoveries about how veeries and ovenbirds use the soundscape to make important decisions, including where to nest. Learn more about past and present research at the Lowlands Kiosk.