Cornell Sound Recording Workshop
May 15, 2008
Article in: Bird Conservation

If you haven’t familiarized yourself with Cornell, now would be a great time. Their website is one of the best in the birding world but they also offer many wonderful programs including this sound recording workshop (which we wish we could attend).
Press Release From Cornell:
ÂFrom June 7 to 14, the annual Sound Recording Workshop offered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology returns to San Francisco State University’s Sierra Nevada Field Campus in the spectacular surroundings of the eastern foothills of California’s northern Sierra Nevada mountains. Participants learn state-of-the-art techniques for capturing bird sounds, guided by experts.
Learn to capture the sounds of wildlife through lecture, discussion, and daily field recording sessions participants learn how to effectively handle a portable field recording system to make scientifically accurate recordings of bird vocalizations. Participants learn how to conquer wind, how a roadbed can help overcome the sound of a rushing stream, and why placing a microphone on the ground is sometimes the best strategy. There is also an introduction to the science of sound analysis which converts sound waves into visual images called spectrograms. With signal analysis it’s possible to visualize a bird song note by note.
The Sound Recording Workshop fee of $895 covers tuition, class materials, ground transportation, food, and lodging. A $100 deposit is requested to reserve a space, which is limited to 20 students. Registration and payment are due by May 31. Learn more at: The Macaulay Library or contact Tammy Bishop at (607) 254-2198 or macaulaylibrary@cornell.edu.
This certainly sounds like a fun and education opportunity (and if they are full there’s always next time!)
Nestwatch.org Citizen Science Project
May 3, 2008
Article in: Bird Conservation
Nestwatch is a newly launched citizen science project from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Funded by the National Science Foundation, Nestwatch promises to be not only fun but also scientifically valuable.
Of course, to truly make this project work, your help is needed. All materials and instructions are available at www.nestwatch.org. Anyone can help and if you are worried about disturbing birds, there are details about how to monitor safely.
As Peter Marra from the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center puts it,
“Each and every observation is important because it helps scientists measure the impact of such things as climate change and habitat destruction. Without citizens across the country collecting this information for us it would be almost impossible to track these large-scale destructive processes.â€
Please sign up at www.nestwatch.org
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds.
Please become a member if you are not already – www.birds.cornell.edu









