Berkeley County bird recorder aids in preserving natural sounds
Wil Hershberger is a bird recordist based in Berkeley County, West Virginia, who is deeply passionate about capturing and preserving the sounds of nature. His dedication to recording the calls of birds has gained him recognition in the birding community worldwide, with many of his recordings archived at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Hershberger frequents the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, where he spends hours listening to avian calls and capturing their unique sounds for documentation.
On one particular early morning expedition, Hershberger arrived at the wildlife site before dawn, armed with a sophisticated recording device. With the sky transitioning from darkness to a deep purple hue, he stood still, entranced by the sounds of nature surrounding him. To date, Hershberger has amassed over 6,200 audio recordings of birds, showcasing his unwavering commitment to this endeavor. His fascination with birds dates back to his childhood in Hagerstown when a pair of Baltimore orioles nested in his parents’ backyard. This encounter sparked his lifelong passion for birdwatching and ornithology.
Although Hershberger’s interest in birds began at a young age, his professional journey took him through various paths, including roles at the USDA and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. During his time with the latter, he focused on studying the ecology of loggerhead shrikes, a declining species in the region. Employing his recording equipment, Hershberger tried to elicit responses from the shrikes by playing their calls in the wild, but unfortunately found no signs of the species in the area.
Hershberger’s dedication to recording bird sounds was cemented after attending a class by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in California in 1994. The insights he gained during the class transformed his interest in sound recording into a full-fledged passion. From mastering techniques that enhanced recording precision to utilizing digital recording software for better output, Hershberger’s commitment to preserving avian calls is unwavering.
Beyond archiving his recordings at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Hershberger has also contributed to projects like the Merlin Bird ID app. This app utilizes his recordings to help users identify bird species in real-time through their smartphones, showcasing the practical applications of his work. Locally, he has been an active member of birding societies, organizing events and outings to share his knowledge and love for birds with fellow enthusiasts.
Hershberger’s advice to budding birders includes paying attention to migration trends to observe the variety of birds passing through West Virginia. He highlights the importance of being vigilant during peak migration periods, such as early May, when species like blackburnian warblers and Nashville warblers are prevalent. By using specialized equipment like a 76-centimeter parabola with a central microphone, Hershberger continues to document the diverse avian sounds that populate the Eastern Panhandle, ensuring that the melodies of nature are preserved for future generations.