Location: Niagara Region, ON
Date: April - June, 2010
Throughout the spring of 2010, PRI has conducted several investigations at an historic site associated with the War of 1812 in the Niagara region*. These investigations have varied in length and intensity, ranging from brief field tests of new equipment to more thorough examinations into claims of paranormal activity. One of our brief field tests yielded an interesting audio anomaly. In an effort to identify the possible causes of this anomaly (natural or paranormal) and gather any additional evidence that may present itself, PRI is planning to conduct further investigations at this location indefinitely. As such, this report is meant to serve as an update on our investigative progress at this site, rather than a comprehensive overview with conclusions.
On the night of April 5, 2010, PRI visited the site with the primary objective of testing a full-spectrum digital camera. While taking photographs around the location, EVP experiments were conducted using digital audio recorders, including the Zoom H2 recorder. No visual anomalies were found in any of the full-spectrum photographs. However, one audio recording on the H2 contains a sound that we were unable to confidently attribute to natural phenomena during our post-investigation analysis.
A sound resembling (to us, at least) a child mumbling can be heard on an audio recording taken inside a brick tunnel at the site. Several interesting characteristics of this anomaly can be noted. First, there is some echo to the "voice", suggesting that the sound originated within the tunnel. Second, there were no other visitors to the site at the time of the investigation. Third, although a second investigator was present, a second audio recorder confirms that they were not located inside or near the tunnel at the time this sound was captured.
Numerous subsequent recordings have been taken under similar environmental conditions at this location in an effort to recreate the anomaly from ambient sounds. However, in each instance, birds and other environmental noises were easily identified through the high quality of the H2’s recording.
Nevertheless, as sceptics, we cannot label this sound as something paranormal. The apparent voice is not clear or loud enough to discern actual words with any confidence, and we simply cannot rule out the possibility of a natural cause such as audio pareidolia. We can, however, attach the noncommittal label of "something of interest" to this capture. For this reason, PRI will continue to conduct follow-up investigations at this location.
*NOTE: Because this is an ongoing investigation, the exact site location is being withheld at this time. Additionally, a significant amount of vandalism and broken glass bottles was observed. While we would like to provide detailed contextual information to go along with our findings, the preservation of the site and its historical significance must take precedence. Consequently, at this time, we are undecided on whether or not to divulge such information in future reports about this site.
Evidence
Audio Clip:
An anomalous sound resembling the voice of a child can be heard at the start of this clip. The high-pitched noise in the background was produced by a seagull's call, while the breathy noise was produced by the investigator exhaling. Earbuds or noise cancelling headphones are required to hear the alleged voice.
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The Paranormal Research Initiative (PRI)