Almost a year since the original post, but just commenting that I've been having some pretty good success with BirdNET which has been working fine in the past few weeks I've been using it.

Dear Thomas I'm really interested by your experience, how did you use birdnet?

I would like to monitor a area for a certain amount of time with birdnet automatically identifying the bird around, is it possible to do that? Or did you record a sound bird for a while, then transfer the audio file into bird net and manually identify each bird sound?

All the best, Antoine

Tessa Rhinehart has developed a great compilation of bioacoustic analysis platforms, software, etc. with basic functionality on each. It's openly-available on Github -https://github.com/rhine3/audiomoth-guide/blob/master/resources/analysis-software.md. 

I personally use RavenPro (from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology), Kaleidoscope (from Wildlife Acoustics), and Arbimon (from Rainforest Connection) in different capacities. I've also heard good things about PAMguard (developed firstly in the marine mammal community) and Sonic Visualizer.

Hi Patricia,

I think this is likely an issue with the PIR lens positioning. The PIR has detection zones that are designed to maximise image capture of things moving a certain distance away.

A quick fix would be to have the camera trap placed directly above the nests looking straight down. I have seen someone doing this on twitter for invasive species on islands but haven't been able to re-find the tweets. 

I would use a rat substitute for testing, like a tennis ball on a stick. Warm this up in the sun and then insert into the field of view and check if the camera has captured it. You could try this in different orientations and angles to see where the detection zones might be. 

Best wishes,

Sam

Hello

I understand how frustating that can be....I would try with the camera closer. 2.5m seem too far away for rat...specially that it must have some vegetation between. Also think that the suggestion of putting the camera above the nest facing down is also a great idea...

Best of luck...

I didn't see this post until the digest came out, but if you still need some comments...

I suggest asking this question on one of the sound recordists forums.  The people on [email protected] are generally quite knowledgeable on microphones and protecting them...and quite friendly :)   Ivano Pelicella (Dodotronics) monitors that forum and will happy to chime in if you have a question on their mics.  Or you can email him.

Regarding the Momimic...it uses the Knowles FG23629, but I see what you mean about the lack of much specs.  This is their datasheet, if you don't have it - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/knowles/FG-23629-D65/810005

The Momimic seems like a good choice for what you described and it's off the shelf, although I haven't used it personally.  Maybe email Ivano for some help.

Good luck!  I hope you will be posting your progress and results!

Hi Akiba, [not sure if I'm on the right thread]

The Open-Source Tech Toolkit would need a repository for designs & specifcations. Regarding the latter, I'm a Technical Editor for a specification company. The format we use for the architecture & construction industry is suitable for any discipline [e.g. teaching students how to write a spec using our format/proforma they're given a task to write "how to tie their shoe laces"].

A specification defines qualities & standards (e.g. ISO, IEC). Drawings illustrate locations & quantity. Drawings are normally referenced back to the specification clauses.

I'd like to write an example of a specification for the Wildlogger, which will cover the many options for sensors, including references to approved/tested sensors and [if necessary] how they should be calibrated.

Looking over the horizon, what is the best repository for such Toolkit drawings and specifications?

If demand was large enough, and funding available, the company I work for could host the specifications and I'd maintain them full-time: There would be many advantages using our database over MS Word-based system.

Best Regards,

Nigel