The Northern Mockingbird, Leena Lee

Composers talk to Verity Sharp about how their creativity has been shaped by an animal species, how it has formed their approach to making music, and what they’ve discovered about the natural world in the process.

Each episode explores how an animal has served as a muse or guide to expand their musical palette with diverse sets of thinking, ranging from personal healing to musical virtuosity and local ecological concerns. These musicians often incorporate field recordings or natural sounds into their work, treating nature as a collaborator.

In this final episode, artist and field recordist Leena Lee introduces us to the northern mockingbird in Mexico. From marking seasonal cycles to announcing rain and even warning of danger, Leena explores how birds are not just powerful bioindicators but a crucial opportunity to listen to the world around us in new ways.

Produced by Tess Davidson
Production support from Rebecca Lennon

A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3