Two Approaches to Listening:
In general, there are two major approaches to listening to, appreciating, and understanding the sounds of nature. Both have their merits and their faults. In reality, there is not a clear separation of the two, as one can easily exist on the edges of both, or else learn to move freely between the them.
Biologic/Analytic
One popular approach is that of the scientist or naturalist, which usually involves an emphasis on the naming of things, especially the identification of species. When a sound is heard, it is mentally attached to a “cardinal,” a “bullfrog,” or some other known form. Sometimes, as soon as a sound is identified, it is time to move on, time to go find a new and different sound made by a new and different animal. Identifying each sound that is heard may be the primary goal, the “fun of it all,” and the desired endpoint of an outdoor excursion.