Description
Join Tom Darron to learn how to conduct audio surveys to monitor dawn chorus bird song at Gosforth Nature Reserve
Join Tom Darron to learn how to conduct audio surveys to monitor dawn chorus bird song at Gosforth Nature Reserve. We will be collecting in audio recording devices on a short walk (around an hour) around the reserve where we will chat about local birdlife and hopefully see lots too!
We will then return to the Field Studies Room where we will be analysing the bird song recordings using a computer app called 'BirdNet Analyzer' to determine what birds are present by isolating their calls and creating a collation of audio data that will be used to aid a larger research project looking at farmland biodiversity monitoring.
This project is focused on a target list of 10 species:
- Yellowhammer
- Grey Partridge
- Lapwing
- Corn Bunting
- Skylark
- Meadow Pipit
- Linnet
- Tree Sparrow
- Redstart
- Mistle Thrush
Hopefully we'll get to see and hear some cool birds so bring your binoculars and ears! Any level of previous knowledge is welcome but not required, this is a super accessible session with stuff to learn for everyone.
Important: please bring your own laptop with BirdNet Analyzer downloaded beforehand - link below:BirdNET Sound ID – The easiest way to identify birds by sound.
Essential Information
Event lead: Tom Darron
Event length: 1 session, Thursday 17 July, 11.00 am -14.00 pm (approx)
Event structure: Informal walk followed by an indoor workshop
Level: All levels
Meet at: Gosforth Nature Reserve entrance, NZ 25998 69900, W3W: inch.caring.gave.
Please ignore the automatic location given by Eventbrite. Find a grid reference: https://gridreferencefinder.com
Event cost: Free
Photos will be taken at this event to use on social media and in NHSN publicity material. If you would prefer not to be photographed please let us know at the start of the event.
Accessibility
This event comprises a walk of approx 1 mile. Paths are uneven in places.
Recommended equipment
Essential: Lunch, sturdy shoes, and a laptop with BirdNet Analyzer downloaded beforehand (link above)
Optional: Insect repellant and binoculars (we have some spare binoculars if needed!)
About the Ouse Burn Way
Made possible by the Reece Foundation, The Ouse Burn Way offers events that encourage people of all ages to connect with nature. From exploring local wildlife to discovering the hidden gems in your community, these activities are a great way to experience the natural world in Newcastle and North Tyneside. What will you spot in your own neighbourhood? Come along and join us for some outdoor fun, and start noticing the wildlife around you. For more information about the project, please click here.
About event lead
Tom Darron is a Newcastle University Zoology student, currently conducting a research project in acoustic bird surveying. He is a long time bird watcher and wildlife photographer, and also a 2024 NHSN Field Skills graduate and Gosforth Nature Reserve volunteer ranger.