A groundbreaking nocturnal bird migration research project spanning Canada is being conducted by two graduate students at the University of Windsor. Natalie Emerick and Madison Bygrove have deployed 100 acoustic recorders from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland to monitor birds during their nighttime travels.
The recorders, equipped with microphones pointing skyward, capture and categorize bird calls using AI technology called Motus Audio. These devices are strategically positioned in various locations, including open fields and residential backyards, to collect and analyze sounds that were previously challenging to detect.
Birds communicate through calls and flight sounds to navigate and stay together during their nocturnal journeys. The research project aims to shed light on this behavior, especially in eastern regions where such studies are scarce. The data collected will help understand bird migration patterns and behaviors, including the impact of artificial night lighting on their movements.
The research team leverages advancements in tracking technologies to process vast amounts of data efficiently. By collaborating with existing migration monitoring networks and engaging volunteers, they have established a comprehensive monitoring system across the country to track nocturnal bird migration in real-time.
The researchers are optimistic about the insights the project will provide, particularly during the fall migration season. As the algorithm improves its species identification accuracy, the team expects to uncover valuable information about bird movements and population trends.
This initiative, supported by federal funding and technological innovations like Motus Audio, aims to create an “audio curtain” across Canada to monitor bird species’ movements throughout different seasons. The research hopes to address critical questions regarding bird population declines and the factors influencing their migratory behaviors.
