How a Parabolic Microphone Works

A parabolic microphone involves the attaching of an end of a handle to a small audio receiver at the focus. The audio receiver is connected to an amplifier circuit, which is used by the user to listen to the amplified sounds with ear phones. If the user were to place his head near to the focus, so that he can listen to the sounds being amplified, his head would block the sound waves. The sound waves would not be able to reflect the waves into the focus to be amplified and hence would not work, thus the need of a small audio receiver.

The user looks at his target from a distance and points the sound dish at it. Unfortunately, the long distance from the target might result in the parabolic microphone amplifying the wrong sounds as it did not catch the sound waves produced by the target, but by the bird. Hence, the user must use his own hearing, ensuring that the microphone is properly locked on the target.