PDA

View Full Version : Listening to Birds

Andrew Whitehouse
Thursday 29th November 2007, 16:32
Today a project I'm working on has been launched which I'm sure will be of interest to people on Birdforum. The project is called 'Listening to Birds' and is a two-year study of how bird sounds become a part of people's lives. I'm also interested in how people learn to identify birds by sound. There's much more information on the project website:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/birdsong/

I'm writing a blog (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/birdsong/blog/), which already has a few entries, and it's possible for people to contribute (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/birdsong/contribute.php) their own experiences of bird sounds. Lots of people already have!

I'll use this thread to keep people up to date with what's going on in the project.
Capercaillie71
Thursday 29th November 2007, 16:40
Since reading about this project, I keep thinking of all sorts of experiences relating to bird sounds. So apologies in advance if you end up getting loads of meaningless drivel submitted to your website!
Andrew Whitehouse
Thursday 29th November 2007, 16:48
Hey Paul - it's all good. I've already got lots to read, so post as much as you like!
StuartReeves
Thursday 29th November 2007, 18:56
"We also hope to learn a lot about how to recognise bird sounds ourselves, through research in both Britain and Brazil." Now that definitely sounds like research that I'd like to be involved in!
turkish van
Thursday 29th November 2007, 19:03
"We also hope to learn a lot about how to recognise bird sounds ourselves, through research in both Britain and Brazil." Now that definitely sounds like research that I'd like to be involved in!

Yeah, now you know the real reason he's doing it... ;)
Andrew Whitehouse
Thursday 29th November 2007, 19:14
Hmm, yeah. Forgot about the Brazil bit. That should be very challenging work.

While I'm here, can I take the opportunity to publicly thank the various magnificent BirdForum photographers for allowing me to use their wonderful pictures on the website:

Nigel Blake
Kit Day
Nigel Pye
PostcardCV
Psilo

Enormous thanks to you all and I hope you like the website.
turkish van
Thursday 29th November 2007, 19:22
Don't get too ahead of yourself already Dr W, you sound like you're accepting an Oscar or something... ;)
halftwo
Thursday 29th November 2007, 19:46
Need anyone to hold the mike?
Andrew Whitehouse
Thursday 29th November 2007, 19:55
Don't get too ahead of yourself already Dr W, you sound like you're accepting an Oscar or something... ;)

* Bursts into emotional tears *
markgrubb
Thursday 29th November 2007, 20:06
While I'm here, can I take the opportunity to publicly thank the various magnificent BirdForum photographers for allowing me to use their wonderful pictures on the website:



Didn't think of using any of your own "Works of Art" Dr W?;)
Andrew Whitehouse
Thursday 29th November 2007, 20:11
Didn't think of using any of your own "Works of Art" Dr W?;)

Strangely enough no. Although that was mostly because I don't have many pictures of birds making a noise. Obviously I'm now kicking myself for not asking you if you had any ;).
markgrubb
Thursday 29th November 2007, 20:38
Strangely enough no. Although that was mostly because I don't have many pictures of birds making a noise. Obviously I'm now kicking myself for not asking you if you had any ;).

Yup, the bird on my avatar looks as if he's keeping pretty quiet. And my fees are probably far more reasonable than all of those pro's you are using;)
llendorin
Friday 30th November 2007, 17:30
You're famous! :-)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7118671.stm
turkish van
Friday 30th November 2007, 17:32
He was also just on Radio Scotland, but the website isn't working at the moment. Listen on repeat when it is!
Andrew Whitehouse
Friday 30th November 2007, 17:34
He was also just on Radio Scotland, but the website isn't working at the moment. Listen on repeat when it is!

In a proper studio too. You probably have to wait for the programme to finish and then you can listen again.
Andrew Whitehouse
Friday 30th November 2007, 19:33
If you really want to listen, then it's here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/radioscotland/programmes/newsdrive&
I start about 54 minutes into the programme, when you'll hear a not-very-Scottish Nightingale singing.
StuartReeves
Friday 30th November 2007, 19:57
If you really want to listen, then it's here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/radioscotland/programmes/newsdrive&
I start about 54 minutes into the programme, when you'll hear a not-very-Scottish Nightingale singing.

Very good. Now I've heard you does that mean I can tick you on my BF list, on call at least?

Oh, and now seems a good time to pint out that I've seen Nightingale in Scotland. On your patch in fact.
Andrew Whitehouse
Friday 30th November 2007, 20:12
Very good. Now I've heard you does that mean I can tick you on my BF list, on call at least?

Oh, and now seems a good time to pint out that I've seen Nightingale in Scotland. On your patch in fact.

I'm all in favour of heards being tickable. Although surely not from a recording?

Hmm, will have to find a Nightingale here next spring.
markgrubb
Friday 30th November 2007, 20:40
OMG, does this mean that you will be appearing on the next series of "I'm a celebrity get me out of here"?-but then there could be some good ticks there-and will we have to pay for the privilege of being in such esteemed company on future BF trips;)
Andrew Whitehouse
Friday 30th November 2007, 20:42
OMG, does this mean that you will be appearing on the next series of "I'm a celebrity get me out of here"?-but then there could be some good ticks there-and will we have to pay for the privilege of being in such esteemed company on future BF trips;)

Well, you never know. I'm probably a big enough celebrity now. I must be at least z-list, or maybe even y.

So after your exploits today, are you going to be appearing on the next series of 'Crimewatch UK'?