MUSIC OF THE BUSH

A Treasury of New Zealand Bird Song. Kenneth and Jean Bigwood (Kiwi EC14–15–16) Reeds, Wellington. Album of 3 E.P. 7-inch plus 40-page booklet. 45s.

In recent years, our poor radio programmes plus continuous commercials have caused many listeners to form their own record libraries. This unique set of the songs of New Zealand birds, recorded in their bush setting and combined with background noises of rivers and waterfalls, brings the romance of the outdoors and the voices of “the children of Tane” to your home.

Working as a husband and wife team, Kenneth and Jean Bigwood, who are trained photographers and recording specialists, have after years of skilled and patient work, built up a remarkable

Kenneth and Jean Bigwood “shoot” a bird in the New Zealand bush. While Jean operates the tape recorder, Kenneth trains the microphone, set in the centre of the parabolic reflector, upon the singing bird. This husband and wife team have, after years of skilled and patient work, built up a remarkable library of bird songs and also of photographs of the birds themselves.

collection of bird songs and also photographs of the birds themselves. By the use of a microphone set in the centre of a parabolic reflector Kenneth Bigwood is able to record from a distance the singing bird, while his wife Jean operates the tape recorder. The thirty birds recorded in the album include such rarities as the strident whistle of the Kiwi, the musical horn-like notes of the Takahe, and most odd of all, the peculiar bubblings and whistlings of the Blue Duck. Many of these birds have been recorded for the first time, and the unsusual items lend variety to the melodious singing of Tuis, Bellbirds and other types.

Accompanying the set of three records is a well produced 40-page booklet by Gordon R. Williams, containing pictures of all the birds on the records, most of which were taken by Kenneth Bigwood. With its popular appeal and educational value, this remarkable set should prove of great value for use in schools, as few children will have had the opportunity of hearing our fast vanishing birds in their natural surroundings.

J.H.A.