Producing acoustic signals is one of the most common communication methods in the animal kingdom. Recordings of bird calls, but also other natural sounds, have been popular since the first audio recorders. However, what is the value of these recordings for society?
First, an acoustic picture or soundscape is a dynamic part of the environment. It changes during the time of day and during the season. Recording sounds in a specific moment is valuable evidence for natural history. After some time, we can compare changes in the species richness of vocalizing animals, but also shifts in using frequencies or the presence of new sources of noise. Based on soundscape analysis, it is possible to identify the diel cycle and differences between locations, habitats, or seasons.
Besides this scientific point of view, soundscapes can allow listeners to listen to various environments around the world. It is a way of nature discovery. On the other side, it can be very relaxing for listeners, especially to listen to calm natural sounds. Naturalists may use them in both ways – as a base point for documenting the status and changes on the site and for education and increasing public awareness. Maybe after some decades, we will be surprised at how our forests, fields, wetlands, and rivers sounded. It will be a shame if we do not have the most valuable thing – data from previous times.