General Description 
This workshop is designed for researchers, students, and individuals interested in applying bioacoustic methods to research or contributing to research in fields such as behavioral ecology, taxonomy, and conservation. Acoustic recording is increasingly used to investigate basic and applied questions about animal biology. Digital audio recording technology and computer-based software for analyzing sounds are relatively inexpensive and readily accessible, however few formal resources exist for biologists to learn how to use the equipment and software appropriately.
This workshop provides participants with essential technical skills for the capture of acoustic signals under variety of field conditions and appropriate use of acoustic analysis software relevant to basic research or conservation questions. In addition to covering best practices for recording, participants receive an introduction to the analysis of animal sounds. Through hands-on field instruction each morning will master field recording techniques and through afternoon lectures participants will acquire the conceptual background needed to support acoustic recording and research.
|
Date of Period |
Fee |
Credit/Workshop |
Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|
|
June 8 - 15, 2019 |
$750 |
Workshop |
Greg Budney |
Instructor
Greg Budney is the former Audio Curator of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and an experienced field recordist. He has conducted workshops on how to recording wildlife sounds annually at the SNFC since 1989.
Dr. Emanuel C. Mora emigrated from Cuba in 2016 
where he was the former Head of the Research Group in Bioacoustics and Neuroethology at the University of Havana. With over 50 research publications and several teaching awards and research fellowships, Dr. Mora is dynamic lecturer with an extensive research background.
The instructors have previously collaborated to conduct workshops in Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico. Greg encourages student contact: nagra.ivs@gmail.com
Schedule
* Please note that this schedule is subject to change depending upon weather conditions, presence of bears, and logging operations.
04:45 - Coffee, tea, fruit and bread for toast.
05:10 - Vehicles depart field campus for recording site
08:30 - Breakfast in the field
09:00 - Return to field recording
10:30 - Depart field site for return to field campus
12:00 - Lunch
13:30 - Lecture and critique of field recordings
18:00 - Dinner
(Note: The dinner bell is rung twice. The first bell is an alert that dinner will be served in ten minutes. The second bell is rung when dinner is ready.)
19:30 – Critical listening, possible evening presentations, and preparation for next day's field recording.
LECTURE TOPIC SCHEDULE
*Please note that this schedule may be subject to change due to lecture hall & equipment availability, weather, etc.
SATURDAY June 8
Afternoon
• Introduction and issuing of loaner recording equipment followed by a field recording demonstration.
Evening
• Prepare equipment for 5AM Sunday morning departure
• Instructions for Sunday morning recording followed by informal drinks before dinner
SUNDAY June 9
Morning/afternoon
• Microphones
• Documenting recordings
Evening
• Critical listening session
MONDAY June 10
Morning/afternoon
• The digital audio recorder
• Metering
• Introduction to sound analysis
Evening
• Critical listening session
TUESDAY June 11
Morning
• Selection of equipment
Afternoon
• Sound analysis software
Evening
• Critical listening session
WEDNESDAY June 12
Morning
• Multi-channel microphone techniques and equipment evaluation
Afternoon
• Equipment assessment and organizing your field recording system
Evening
• Critical listening
THURSDAY June 13
Morning
• Digital audio work stations
Afternoon
• General question and answer session
FRIDAY June 14
Morning/afternoon
• Soldering & cables
Evening
• Closing ceremony
SATURDAY June 15
Morning
• Optional field recording for those not departing (led by one or more instructors)
• Departure
Supply List
Participants should plan to bring a complete recording system
consisting of a portable digital audio recorder, microphone with windscreen, headphones, and recording media. If available, a mains power supply for the audio recorder is also recommended. A limited amount of field recording equipment is available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants should also bring a laptop computer and power supply is required for the analysis instruction.
CAMPING GEAR
- warm sleeping bag
- foam pad
- flashlight
- camp chair
- bring your own tent or use tents with beds provided at the field campus
CLOTHING
Although days are generally warm, or even hot at lower elevations, be prepared for temperatures as low as freezing at night. Variable weather clothing that may be layered is best. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, warm sweater and jacket, t-shirt and shorts or skirt, tennis shoes or hiking boots, sun hat, rain gear, and a warm hat or gloves for cold weather or night activities. Old sneakers, rubber boots, or hip-waders may come in handy for marsh prowling.
MISCELLANEOUS:
- day pack
- sunscreen
- insect repellant
- alarm clock
- water bottles