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Island Isolation

Lured first by sirens at its base, sound recordist Chris Watson vividly recalls his quest to capture the wild nocturnal cries at the pinnacle of an isolated sea rock.

For many of us, isolation is disconcerting and challenging, but for wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson, it is something he actively seeks, so he can fully immerse himself in a place and capture its unique sounds in his recordings.

In the second of five illustrated essays, Chris recalls an exhausting and chilling climb to the pinnacle of Skellig Michael, an isolated rock which rises over 700ft out of the Atlantic Ocean off the south west coast of Ireland to capture the wailing cries of the inhabitants which return here at night under the cover of darkness.

Produced by Sarah Blunt for 大象传媒 Audio in Bristol.

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Boxing Day 2023 22:45

Broadcasts

  • Tue 2 Nov 2021 22:45
  • Boxing Day 2023 22:45

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