Spring Pond Bog

The small bog and its surroundings provide a haven for boreal birds. Hermit Thrushes nest in the forest edge. In the bog itself, White-throated Sparrows are numerous, their whistles enlivening the dawn chorus.

Not long ago, I spent two days at Spring Pond Bog, a wonderful Nature Conservancy preserve in a remote area of the Adirondack Mountains near the village of Tupper Lake. The preserve is a whopping 4200 acres in size and includes a giant open bogland that is over a mile long. The real jewel, however (at least in terms of sound recording) is a smaller bog that is easily accessed via a boardwalk. The small bog is carpeted with lush sphagnum moss and is populated by numerous black spruce and tamarack trees, most under ten feet in height. Pitcher plants are scattered throughout, along with Bog Laurel, Leatherleaf, and Bog Cranberry.

The small bog and its surroundings provide a haven for boreal birds. Hermit Thrushes nest in the forest edge. In the bog itself, White-throated Sparrows are numerous, their whistles enlivening the dawn chorus. There is almost always a resident Lincoln’s Sparrow or two, and it is not unusual to find both Palm Warbler and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. And if one is lucky, a Swainson’s Thrush might be breeding near, adding its beautiful flute-song to the chorus.

Dawn chorus featuring Hermit Thrushes, White-throated Sparrows, and more. 4:35 am, 21 June 2000. Spring Pond Bog Preserve near Tupper Lake, New York. © Lang Elliott. Please play at a low volume to simulate a natural listening experience.

I’ve recorded at Spring Pond Bog on several occasions, dating back to the year 2000. The featured recording is my all-time favorite, captured during my very first visit. I well remember standing on the boardwalk at 4:45 am, in complete awe of the amazing soundscape that was unfolding around me and feeling grateful indeed.

To enjoy more nature soundscapes please visit the Sound Sanctuary.

And as always, please feel free to share your reflections on this recording below. Thanks!

Lang Elliott, a nature author, speaker, cinematographer, sound recordist, photographer, and poet. Learn more about Lang and browse his premium pure nature recordings at Music of Nature.