Seán
@stormpetryl.bsky.social
Professional bird surveyor / early-career ornithologist, working in Scotland
November 1, 2025 at 10:24 AM
…their post-construction monitoring using Motus, as adoption of the technology appears to be slow compared with N.A. and Europe. Any thoughts?
November 1, 2025 at 10:21 AM
…their post-construction monitoring using Motus, as adoption of the technology appears to be slow compared with N.A. and Europe. Any thoughts?
Congrats! I hadn’t considered the opportunity for collaboration with wind energy developers to fund Motus station installation. I see this has been done in North America too: motus.org/resources/co.... I wonder if efforts are being made to convince developers around the UK and Ireland to enhance…
Motus | Atlantic Offshore Wind
motus.org
November 1, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Congrats! I hadn’t considered the opportunity for collaboration with wind energy developers to fund Motus station installation. I see this has been done in North America too: motus.org/resources/co.... I wonder if efforts are being made to convince developers around the UK and Ireland to enhance…
😱 how did I miss this!? Thank you ❤️
October 30, 2025 at 6:48 PM
😱 how did I miss this!? Thank you ❤️
Hi, nice case! Do you have any plans to provide a UK based distribution service in future?
October 30, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Hi, nice case! Do you have any plans to provide a UK based distribution service in future?
See here: merlin.allaboutbirds.org/merlin-sound... and here: merlin.allaboutbirds.org/help-expand-.... There is more information in the numerous papers on BirdNET, e.g. by Dr Stefan Kahl.
Merlin Sound ID: Project Overview
The Merlin Sound ID project is a community-driven effort to develop a powerful, global bird sound identification tool for birders, researchers, and conservationists. This powers:
Engagement - impr...
merlin.allaboutbirds.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:43 PM
See here: merlin.allaboutbirds.org/merlin-sound... and here: merlin.allaboutbirds.org/help-expand-.... There is more information in the numerous papers on BirdNET, e.g. by Dr Stefan Kahl.
Yes, I understand how to provide feedback. Unfortunately, my research suggests that feedback does not affect the algorithm in real-time (I wish it did!). I suspect your experience is coincidental.
October 30, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Yes, I understand how to provide feedback. Unfortunately, my research suggests that feedback does not affect the algorithm in real-time (I wish it did!). I suspect your experience is coincidental.
October 30, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Would be very happy to be told otherwise, but I don’t believe you are able to affect the algorithm in real time by feeding back through the app. My understanding is that your feedback may be used to train a new version of the BirdNET algorithm, but this would only affect the Merlin app once updated
October 30, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Would be very happy to be told otherwise, but I don’t believe you are able to affect the algorithm in real time by feeding back through the app. My understanding is that your feedback may be used to train a new version of the BirdNET algorithm, but this would only affect the Merlin app once updated
Sure there will be biases around time of day and days of the year, too - perhaps an increase in reporting during some public holidays and potentially a decrease in others, e.g Xmas.
October 14, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Sure there will be biases around time of day and days of the year, too - perhaps an increase in reporting during some public holidays and potentially a decrease in others, e.g Xmas.
October 9, 2025 at 9:52 AM
FYI I’m using the larger Opticron MM4 60 with the CF beefree
October 7, 2025 at 7:48 AM
FYI I’m using the larger Opticron MM4 60 with the CF beefree
…for me. It’s available in carbon fibre or aluminium. If you can stretch the budget there a CF model on eBay for £180. Otherwise, the aluminium goes for about £50-60. 2/2
October 7, 2025 at 7:47 AM
…for me. It’s available in carbon fibre or aluminium. If you can stretch the budget there a CF model on eBay for £180. Otherwise, the aluminium goes for about £50-60. 2/2
Hi Mac, tbh I don’t know anything about the Vanguard tripod. I can recommend a lightweight tripod to go with your lightweight scope, though. The Manfrotto Befree Live comes with a video head. Although it’s not a fluid head (‘fluidity’ achieved via resistance from a tightened nut) it works well…1/2
October 7, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Hi Mac, tbh I don’t know anything about the Vanguard tripod. I can recommend a lightweight tripod to go with your lightweight scope, though. The Manfrotto Befree Live comes with a video head. Although it’s not a fluid head (‘fluidity’ achieved via resistance from a tightened nut) it works well…1/2
…size/price, e.g. Opticron MM4 77. Or you could get one of the more expensive but optically superior and more lightweight options (vs Opticron): Swarovski ATC/STC; Kowa TSN-55; Vortex Razor HD. I definitely agree with trying in person buying secondhand. There is so very rarely any downside. END 9/9
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 AM
…size/price, e.g. Opticron MM4 77. Or you could get one of the more expensive but optically superior and more lightweight options (vs Opticron): Swarovski ATC/STC; Kowa TSN-55; Vortex Razor HD. I definitely agree with trying in person buying secondhand. There is so very rarely any downside. END 9/9
…concerned; you will appreciate a scope like the Opticron or similar for a good few years, if not a lifetime, before you try one of the flagship scopes and/or money is burning a hole in your pocket, pushing you to upgrade. There are other options! You could opt for something with an in-between… 8/n
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 AM
…concerned; you will appreciate a scope like the Opticron or similar for a good few years, if not a lifetime, before you try one of the flagship scopes and/or money is burning a hole in your pocket, pushing you to upgrade. There are other options! You could opt for something with an in-between… 8/n
…goal is specifically to pick out scarce/rare species then you will want to prioritise optical quality over other factors. Just want to be able to confidently ID most species at moderate distances where you struggle with bins? Ignorance is bliss as far as the larger, more expensive scopes are… 7/n
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 AM
…goal is specifically to pick out scarce/rare species then you will want to prioritise optical quality over other factors. Just want to be able to confidently ID most species at moderate distances where you struggle with bins? Ignorance is bliss as far as the larger, more expensive scopes are… 7/n
…for identifying ‘common’ species, but a better scope really makes picking out the often very subtle ID features of scarce/rare species a bit easier. I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘night and day’ difference, but depending on your level of experience it may be obviously beneficial to upgrade. If your… 6/n
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 AM
…for identifying ‘common’ species, but a better scope really makes picking out the often very subtle ID features of scarce/rare species a bit easier. I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘night and day’ difference, but depending on your level of experience it may be obviously beneficial to upgrade. If your… 6/n
…talk optical quality. When I compared my Opticron with a Swarovski ATX system, the upgrade in quality when scoping distant waders was obvious and enough to make me realise the limitations of my current setup, even with the 65 mm ATX objective. For most of my needs, the Opticron suits me well… 5/n
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 AM
…talk optical quality. When I compared my Opticron with a Swarovski ATX system, the upgrade in quality when scoping distant waders was obvious and enough to make me realise the limitations of my current setup, even with the 65 mm ATX objective. For most of my needs, the Opticron suits me well… 5/n
…by all means get the biggest objective lens you can afford (best optical quality will most likely be a Swarovski, Kowa, Leica, Zeiss - but don’t disregard others; try them out) with a an equally excellent tripod and you will be very happy with it, I’m sure. That’s size and weight covered. Let’s…4/n
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 AM
…by all means get the biggest objective lens you can afford (best optical quality will most likely be a Swarovski, Kowa, Leica, Zeiss - but don’t disregard others; try them out) with a an equally excellent tripod and you will be very happy with it, I’m sure. That’s size and weight covered. Let’s…4/n
…setup now weighs more than double at 4.9 kg. A system like that is going to be more challenging to transport (may need bigger bag). It’s still absolutely doable to carry around but will be less comfortable for anyone. If you are mostly driving to your birding spots and carrying short distances… 3/n
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 AM
…setup now weighs more than double at 4.9 kg. A system like that is going to be more challenging to transport (may need bigger bag). It’s still absolutely doable to carry around but will be less comfortable for anyone. If you are mostly driving to your birding spots and carrying short distances… 3/n
…BeeFree Live carbon fibre tripod, so weighs a combined 2.1 kg. That is the same weight of my much sturdier Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 Carbon Fibre Tripod without a tripod head. Add in a Manfrotto MVH500AH fluid head (0.9 kg) and a high-end 85 mm scope like the Swarovski ATX system (1.9 kg) and your… 2/n
tripod.so
October 7, 2025 at 7:41 AM
…BeeFree Live carbon fibre tripod, so weighs a combined 2.1 kg. That is the same weight of my much sturdier Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 Carbon Fibre Tripod without a tripod head. Add in a Manfrotto MVH500AH fluid head (0.9 kg) and a high-end 85 mm scope like the Swarovski ATX system (1.9 kg) and your… 2/n