Good way to portably record audio in high quality?

[Mirage]

I want to record some nature sounds for a project I am working on. Does anybody have any idea what I should use to do this?

I want to record in at least stereo, but up to 4 channels if possible.

All I really need is stereo though. What do I need to get this done in good quality?

 

[Doc]

If you want me to be honest, then I'm going to go with a laptop, a really shiny program, and a high-sensitivity mic.

 

[Mirage]

Hmm, that's not a bad idea at all...

I actually have all of that already...

My mic is just mono though. Do you know of any good ones that record stereo?

 

[Doc]

Buy live sound microphones, microphone stands, instrument mics, vocal mics, wireless microphones and microphone packages online.

I'm not sure if any are stereo. I always thought that stereo sound was recorded with separate sources mixed into one signal.

 

[Mirage]

That could be true. Either way I'd need either something to record stereo or two nice mics.

 

[Doc]

I believe that I've used up all of my knowledge on the subject, I hope someone else can come in and give our esteemed leader some decent advice.