We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve Soundwalk

by Chad Crouch

supported by
rosamaral
rosamaral thumbnail
flowerfang
flowerfang thumbnail
/
1.
Ramsey Canyon Preserve Soundwalk 37:37
buy track

about

This soundwalk recording was made on April 23 2022 at Ramsey Canyon Preserve in the Huachuca Mountains of SE Arizona.

Ramsey Canyon is a magical place, where the Sierra Madre of Mexico, the Rocky Mountains and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts all come together. The abrupt rise of these mountains in contrast to the desert scrublands create so-called “sky islands” that provide for rich ecological diversity. Over 200 bird species can be seen here throughout the year, several of which, like the Flame-colored Tanager I was fortunate to photograph for the cover, is really only seen in this neck of the woods in the United States.

In contrast to the region, water loving trees like sycamores and maples line the creek, and stands of pine and fir can be found the higher you climb. Interestingly enough, though the songbirds are plentiful in variety at this time of year, they are far from belting it out. Indeed throughout SE Arizona my experience of birdsong was quieter. Are they resting, are they hiding from predators? The sound of the earth itself too, generally course. Unlike the biomass strewn forest floor of my home in the Pacific Northwest, the sound of grit underfoot is hard to avoid.

This leads me to remark on something that may not be obvious: as a birder and photographer I’m constantly stopping on these walks to look and listen closely. My camera happens to be mirrorless design, so, apart from nob turning and hushed autofocus and zoom servo motors, I can photograph almost silently. No shutter click.

The lower canyon is well-trafficked on the weekend. The section of audio I found most pleasing from my visit was from my ascent on the Hamburg Trail into the upper canyon. Dreamlike in it’s seclusion ,the descending trills of Canyon Wrens reverberating off the steep rocky walls signal your arrival.

My instrument palette shifts her here to more synthesizer-forward passages that I rather like. I thought these well with the dramatic, craggy terrain. Micro habitats on the upper creek are serene and idyllic in the early Spring. I tried to evoke that with very soft instruments voices and melodic passages.

credits

released February 10, 2023

license

tags

about

Chad Crouch image

Chad Crouch Portland, Oregon

I NOW USE CHADCROUCH.SUBSTACK.COM TO SHARE NEW MUSIC.

contact / help

Contact Chad Crouch

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Chad Crouch, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now