Bioacoustics: From Field to Findings

Passive acoustic monitoring is sound science. Join visiting scholars from Cornell's Yang Center to learn how it's done.

This three-day bioacoustics workshop is designed to equip practitioners and researchers with the skills to collect, manage, and analyze passive acoustic data to address questions related to biodiversity conservation and habitat management.

Through interactive modules focused on experimental design, sound visualization and annotation, automated analysis and machine learning, and ecological applications, participants will develop skills across the full passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) pipeline. We will also include opportunities to practice focal recording and deploying passive acoustic recorders on the grounds of Duke Farms during peak bird migration season.

Substantial time will also be devoted to participant projects through 1-on-1 consultations and structured group discussions, and participants are encouraged to come with a project idea or ongoing work. Prior experience with collecting bioacoustic data is preferred. Basic experience with coding for acoustic or statistical analysis is encouraged though not required. The workshop will focus on building on these foundations through introducing recommended workflows and hands-on skill development across the PAM pipeline. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to present a project plan for their personal work.

Course Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of conservation bioacoustics

• Introduction to sound and passive acoustic monitoring
• Experimental design, metadata, and data management
• Acoustic data visualization and annotation (Raven Workbench)
• Consultation and discussion on personal projects (part 1)

Day 2: Automated detection using BirdNET

• Optional (early morning): Deploying passive acoustic recorders in the field
• Sound detection and classification (e.g. BirdNET workflow: custom classifiers, performance evaluation, data validation)

• Bioacoustics data analysis process walkthrough: raw recordings, detection/classification, and ecological applications, summary includingwith data analysis workflow and visualization in R
• Consultation and discussion on personal projects plan (part 2)

Day 3: Ecological applications and project presentations

• Optional (early morning): Focal recording the dawn chorus
• Ecological applications using passive acoustic data: species occupancy, impact assessment, behavioral patterns
• Consultation and discussion on personal projects plan (part 3)
• Project presentations and group feedback

About the Instructor

Researchers from the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics at Cornell University will join us at Duke Farms to lead this workshop.

Prerequisites

This program is designed for professionals working in conservation or ecology and assumes that participants have a basic knowledge of native avian species identification and general ecology concepts. Some prior experience collecting bioacoustic data and coding for statistical analysis is encouraged.

Optional field sessions will take place fully outdoors and may require travelling over a mile or standing on mixed surfaces and uneven terrain (paved roads, dirt trails, off trail) for up to 2 hours.

Accessibility

Duke Farms is committed to equitable nature access, and the following accommodations may be available, depending on the program:

• Paved, flat trails
• Instructors with voice amplifiers
• Assistive listening devices (ALDs) for indoor programs
• American Sign Language Interpreters, with ten (10) days’ notice
• KultureCity sensory bags
• We welcome working, trained service animals as described by the ADA

We may be able to provide additional, reasonable accommodations not listed here; please contact us at registrations@dukefarms.org.

Program Guidelines

All programs begin at the Farm Barn Orientation Center unless otherwise noted.

Registration is required. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so your space can be offered to someone else. Cancellations received at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a refund, if applicable.

Programs at Duke Farms are held rain or shine, but in the event of severe or impeditive weather, classes may be canceled. Email notice will be given as early as possible via email and refunds will be issued in the case of cancellations.