Sonoran Desert

Magical places, with surprisingly abundant wildlife, are hidden throughout the extreme environment of the Sonoran Desert. This Sonoran Desert CD captures the magnificent bird choruses from lowland cactus forests, spring-fed creeks, to cool canyons high in the sky islands of Arizona. These vibrant soundscapes include the Gila Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, Gambel’s Quail, Doves, Flycatchers, Warblers, and much more – all free from added music.

GOLD SERIES CD: These sounds were recorded directly in 24-bit digital stereo format, using the world's lowest noise microphones and best performing amplifiers for unprecedented realism.

Extended Sample from the Cactus Valley track:

Track List:

Cactus Valley: 18:00 min.

Begin your morning journey in this harsh but beautiful desert valley. On a brushy hillside of Prickly Pear, Cholla, and Saguaro cactus, hear a wonderful chorus of Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpecker, White-Winged Dove, Cactus and Canyon Wren. Warblers, Cassin’s Kingbirds, and Flycatchers can also be heard.

Saguaro Sunrise: 15:40 min.

In the desolate, open deserts of Southwest Arizona, life-giving Saguaro cactus dominates the landscape. All is silent during the unrelenting afternoon heat, but listen to this sunrise chorus of birds. Brown-Headed Flycatchers, Gila Woodpeckers, Cactus Wren, and White-Wing Dove call loudly. Raven, Gambel’s Quail, and more are audible in the background.

Ghost Ranch: 8:05 min.

Venture to an abandoned desert ranch, converted into a wildlife sanctuary. With the absence of cattle, the grasses and wildlife have been rejuvenated. Listen to a variety of birds along a permanent creek, dense with Palo Verde, Mesquite, and towering Arizona Sycamore. Many birds frequent this lush riparian environment. White-Winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Wilson Warbler, Vermilion Flycatcher, Indigo Bunting, Gila Woodpecker, Chat, and more sing in the trees, above the scampering feet of lizards.

Desert Spring: 19:00 min.

Running water can transform the desert into an oasis. This permanent spring attracts many birds, animals, and insects to its shady canopy of large trees and shrubs. Yellow-Breasted Chat call from the trees, Hummingbirds fly about, a Cooper’s Hawk calls with a laughing cackle near it’s nest, and a Raven drops by. Audubon’s warblers and more sing from the brush, as gentle breezes stir the leaves.

Pine Canyon: 18:00 min.

High in the desert mountains, a completely different life zone emerges. These sky islands, as they are called, feature pine forests with cool running creeks and steep canyon walls. Audubon’s Warbler, Scrub Jay, Greater Pewee, Turkey, Robin, Black-Headed Grosbeak, and more are heard on a breezy morning in this canyon.