Long-Range Bird Species Identification Using Directional Microphones and CNNs

This study explores the integration of directional microphones with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for long-range bird species identification. By employing directional microphones, we aimed to capture high-resolution audio from specific directions, potentially improving the clarity of bird calls over extended distances. Our approach involved processing these recordings with CNNs trained on a diverse dataset of bird calls. The results demonstrated that the system is capable of systematically identifying bird species up to 150 m, reaching 280 m for species vocalizing at frequencies greater than 1000 Hz and clearly distinct from background noise. The furthest successful detection was obtained at 510 m. While the method showed promise in enhancing the identification process compared to traditional techniques, there were notable limitations in the clarity of the audio recordings. These findings suggest that while the integration of directional microphones and CNNs for long-range bird species identification is promising, further refinement is needed to fully realize the benefits of this approach. Future efforts should focus on improving the audio-capture technology to reduce ambient noise and enhance the system’s overall performance in long-range bird species identification.