There are six species of Thrush present in the UK over the course of the year: three resident species (Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, and Song Thrush), two wintering species (Redwing and Fieldfare) and one summer visitor (Ring Ouzel). They are all very similar in size and visual identification can be difficult for four of the species […]
This blog forms part of a series on the topic of measurement uncertainty for biodiversity measurements, specifically focusing on bioacoustics. The first blog in the series can be found here. As mentioned in the previous blog, our society relies on a host of different measurements, many of which we do not question or even notice […]
Measurements are an unseen yet important part of our daily lives. We frequently come into contact with them yet rarely question them. In a word we trust them. Everything from electricity meters to car speedometers, blood pressure monitors to weighing scales, rarely does a day go by without using a form of measurement. Trust in […]
Species Spotlight: The Common Cuckoo
The cuckoo, belonging to the family Cuculidae, is a bird that has fascinated people across the globe with its distinctive call and unique breeding behaviour. While the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), known for its iconic “cu-coo” call, is perhaps the most famous, the family encompasses a diverse array of species found all over the world, […]
Get To Know Your Corvid Calls!
During winter, many songbirds live a quieter life. However, Corvids (crow family, Corvidae), can still be heard and are one of the most accessible birds to start learning bird calls, because: Corvids don’t make very pleasant sounds compared to many other birds and they all make quite harsh vocalisations. BUT this makes it easier to […]
As winter draws its frost-laden cloak over the British Isles, the bustling choruses of our wildlife neighbours don’t fall silent; they simply transform. This is the season when many migratory species arrive and territories are fiercely fought over to protect food sources and nesting grounds. Winter song In Britain, despite the drop in temperature, the […]
Protecting Nature in Urban Spaces The urban landscape is often painted with a palette of concrete, steel, and glass. But even amidst these towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, there’s an undeniable need for the presence of nature. Integrating nature into urban environments isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a pivotal role in the health, well-being, […]
The Nature Business
It’s difficult to imagine a business that doesn’t have an impact or interface with nature. In the UK, a large proportion of land is used for agriculture – currently just above 70% [1]. It is one of the most farmed countries in the world. Nature and Farming are completely intertwined; agriculture puts direct pressure on […]
What is Acoustic Monitoring?
Over recent years, as technology continues to evolve, scientists have utilized innovative methods to monitor and study biodiversity. One of these emerging technologies is Acoustic Monitoring, an exciting, non-invasive approach that offers a fresh perspective on understanding our natural world. This technique uses sound as a primary data source, primarily focusing on wildlife such as […]
With new technology becoming more available as a tool for ecologists and landowners, here we discuss when is it best for acoustic / bioacoustic monitoring and traditional survey methodologies to play a role in our bird survey planning? Birds are fascinating species, and importantly also serve as indicator species due to their varied habitats, diets, […]