Old 10” 78 RPM records are subject to scratches, cracks, chips, or other defects. Refer to the photos for the condition of these records.

This is a rare and unique piece of auditory history: Edward Avis's 'Bird Calls,' released on the Columbia Graphophone Company's 'Gold Band' label around 1920. This 10-inch, 78 RPM shellac record features Avis, a renowned bird mimic and educator, performing intricate whistling imitations of various species. Side A, 'Birdland Melodies,' includes the calls of the Baltimore Oriole, Cardinal Grosbeak, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Robin, Brown Thrasher, and Carolina Wren. Side B, 'An Evening in Birdland,' captures the haunting sounds of the Robin, Veery, Wood Thrush, Cricket, and Whip-poor-will.

As a Columbia 'Grafonola' era release with the catalog number A2860, this record is a prime example of early 20th-century nature recording. The blue label with gold trim is iconic of the period's manufacturing. This record serves as a fascinating collectible for ornithologists, fans of early sound effects, and vintage shellac enthusiasts, offering a preserved moment of natural history through the art of whistling.