Muskrats Nattering

by Lang Elliott | May 30, 2026 | 30 comments

Muskrats whining and squealing. 31 August 2020, around 3am. Teeter Pond, Finger Lakes National Forest near Valois, New York. © Lang Elliott. AI-gen Image

Note: The recording featured above is a “3D binaural soundscape”. Please wear headphones for a profound listening experience that will make you think you’re actually out there, immersed in the natural world!

In early autumn, I camp along the shore of Teeter Pond in the Finger Lakes National Forest in upstate New York. That night, crickets trill melodiously and katydids rasp their harsh chee-chee from the surrounding forest.

In the wee hours of the morning, I awaken to whimpering notes and squeals, accompanied at times by water splashes. These are the sweet, endearing calls of muskrats, given while swimming slowly along the marshy edge. Listening carefully, I conclude that it’s a pair, sounding off as they swim along the marshy shoreline.

The entire soundscape is pleasing, a soothing mix of insect songs, occasional frog calls, distant cattle mooing and bellowing, and, of course, the uplifting calls of the fun-loving mammals (I could be wrong here, but they sure do sound like they’re having fun).

What could be finer than enjoying the nattering of muskrats as they slowly swim by, finally vanishing into the night? I take a long, deep breath and then gently drift back into sleep.

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Naturally Yours,
Lang