Image Compression for Birds: Introducing AVIF (Avian Visual Information Format)
If you're intrigued by the world of computational ornithology and want to explore it using ultrasonic microphones, you're in luck! Benn Jordan, a pioneer in this field, has shared his insights and techniques from his own experiences recording and analyzing bird calls with ultrasonic equipment.
Essential Equipment for Ultrasonic Ornithology
According to Benn, a microphone with good ultrasonic response is crucial for capturing bird vocalizations beyond the range of human hearing. He suggests both off-the-shelf microphones and DIY methods for creating your own ultrasonic mic.
One microphone Benn strongly recommends is the open-source AudioMoth ultrasonic microphone and recorder. This cost-effective, field-ready solution offers automated high-frequency audio recording, making it an ideal choice for those starting out.
When it comes to interfacing the microphones, Benn advises choosing high-speed audio interfaces carefully. He cautions against overpriced devices or those with misleading specifications.
Another tool Benn recommends is a sonic camera as a more field-ready and advanced acoustic imaging device compared to DIY setups.
Analysis Tools and Software
For analyzing ultrasonic recordings, Benn recommends Birdnet-Pi, an AI-powered program for automated bird call identification. This tool is particularly useful for beginners.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's free data libraries are another valuable resource for ornithological sounds and reference material.
Beyond these tools, Benn also employs spectrogram analysis techniques to visualize bird calls and even encode image data into sound.
Highlights from Benn's Project
Benn's work in ultrasonic ornithology is not just limited to field recording. He also conducted an experiment with a starling named "The Mouth," known for its ability to mimic human sounds. Benn successfully trained The Mouth to mimic an image encoded as a sound pattern visible in a spectrogram, demonstrating the potential of ultrasonic microphones for making complex vocal structures easier to detect without losing quality.
This project supports both field recording in natural environments and experimental interaction, showcasing the capabilities and potential of ultrasonic bioacoustics for ornithology.
Wrapping Up
To get started in computational ornithology using ultrasonic microphones, follow Benn Jordan's lead. Acquire quality ultrasonic recording hardware like AudioMoth, use AI-based identification tools such as Birdnet-Pi, leverage open ornithological databases, and employ spectrogram analysis techniques—all approaches and recommendations detailed by Benn Jordan from his documented work in this field[1][2].
[1] Jordan, B. (2021). Using ultrasonic microphones to analyze bird calls. [Video file]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZQcBv7XB68
[2] Jordan, B. (2021). Encoding images into sound: A starling mimics a spectrogram. [Video file]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Tg1k-RJ0P4
Science and technology play significant roles in the field of ultrasonic ornithology, as demonstrated by Benn Jordan's work. He employs technological advancements such as AI-based identification tools like Birdnet-Pi, high-speed audio interfaces, and open-source devices like the AudioMoth ultrasonic microphone and recorder in his research and experiments.
){kind=link}