1/🧵 Anthropogenic noise 🔊 is a growing 🌐 pressure on wildlife. Drone (UAS) noise 🚁🔊 is one emerging source. At #BOU2026 I’m sharing our research on how UAS noise impacts #birds and whether phylogeny + morphology predict species‑specific sensitivity. #ornithology #ecology #drones

6/6

📊 Analysis is ongoing.

This work will determine how UAV noise influences bird behaviour and vocal activity, supporting improved understanding of ecological impacts and the development of guidelines for responsible UAV operations.

5/6

📊 Across both sites, bird activity is quantified using video and acoustic data collected before, during, and after noise events.

A YOLOv12 model is used to identify feeder visitation, while BirdNET is being used to detect vocalisations.

4/6

Bird activity was recorded using trail cameras and passive acoustic recorders 📷🎤

📍 The pilot study informed fieldwork at a United Utilities site in Lancashire (May–September 2025), where the design was refined to include six feeding stations along a 170 m transect using logarithmic spacing.

3/6

🎧 To isolate responses to UAV noise independent of visual stimuli, a weatherproof, remotely operated speaker system was developed to simulate UAV noise under field conditions.

📍 The system was deployed in Greater Manchester, where a transect with four feeding stations was established.

2/6

The expansion of the commercial UAV industry, particularly drone deliveries, has raised concerns about disturbance to wildlife.

However, there is a severe lack of research into the ecological impact of UAV noise specifically.

🧵1/6 #BOU2026 #ornithology #bioacoustics #AI

Investigating the impact of UAV noise on bird activity: A playback experiment

How does UAV noise influence bird behaviour and vocal activity?
We aim to address this using controlled, field-based playback experiments.

Glen Hancocks’ Bluesky presentation “Total evidence phylogeny of ducks, geese and swans (family Anatidae): implications for macroevolution and biogeography” can be found here. 🦢

@gleneth93.bsky.social #BOUasm25 #ornithology #biogeography

🔊 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS OPEN

#BOU2026 | Birds and people | 31 March - 2 April 2026 | University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky

Check out the keynote lineup and submit your abstract now!

bou.org.uk/event/bir...

#ornithology

#BOU2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Will Cresswell
University of St Andrews, UK

Birds and people | 31 March - 2 April 2026 | University of Nottingham & Zoom & Bluesky

Why not join us? Submit your abstract here:
bou.org.uk/event/bir...

#ornithology

An absolute pleasure to attend #BOU2025 and meet so many inspiring researchers! It was great to have such a strong presence from #SalfordUni.
#Ornithology
@bou.org.uk @salforduni.bsky.social

A great start to #BOU2025! Some very interesting keynotes from @judyshamounb.bsky.social and Benjamin Van Doren on the applications of radar for bird monitoring. Much to consider about how the technology could be applied to the effects of anthropogenic noise.
@bou.org.uk @illinoispress.bsky.social

🌊🐣 Excited to share the Seabird Monitoring Programme! Join us in conserving our UK breeding seabird populations through data collection and research. 🪶💚 Explore getting involved inland or at the coast at www.bto.org/smp. Together, we can make a difference! #Seabirds #Conservation #Ornithology

👋 Fans of #bioacoustics, birdsong & #openaccess education!

We need help funding a FREE web app to bring sound analysis to any classroom! Developed by @galacticpolymath.com for grades 6-university 🔈🧪🦉🐋

Test BETA app👉 soundlab-gold.vercel.app
Email if you have funds 🙌 soundlab@galacticpolymath.com

EOU2025 conference abstract submission is open! Submit your abstract at the following link: cutt.ly/Ke9YyeWB and check the conference website for updates: cutt.ly/Te9Yo2G4 We look forward to seeing you in Bangor, Wales 18-22 August 2025 #ornithology #EOU2025