Special thanks to Parsons for helping bring these courses to London and for being proactive in initiating special events in regard to ecological issues.
Please note that all fees are in CDN dollars. Courses are $920 each or $1700 if registering for both. (Use Discount Code LO12 to receive the discounted price.)
Location:
Fanshawe Conservation Area Beach Pavilion http://www.fanshaweconservationarea.ca/
Class #1 Acoustic Techniques Course - 29-31 May, 2017 - $920
This course provides an overview of all major types of bat detectors, with specific focus on Wildlife Acoustics (SM3BAT, EMTouch, SM4BAT) and Anabat (SD2, Walkabout, Express, Roostlogger) detectors. Participants learn fundamental principles needed to effectively use detectors and identify bats using acoustics. Main topics include:
- Fundamentals of Ultrasound and Echolocation
- How to substantially increase your ability to identify bats
– Appropriate site selection and correct detector deployment
- Overview and supplemental materials for detector programming including settings in various recording environments
- Proficient use of Kaleidoscope and AnalookW software
– Converting file types and viewing bat calls
- Introduction to other software packages (BCID)
– Live Identification of recordings in field
- Overview of species identification with development of skills for interpreting and identifying bat calls
- Hardware practice
- Hands on, in the classroom and in the field, with EMTouch and WalkAbouts, in addition to other any detectors that participants bring along to the course (e.g., SM3BAT, Anabat SD1/2, Express); some classrooom units available. This course gives the participant a good foundation for developing and implementing acoustic monitoring projects such as baseline studies for wind energy and the North American Bat Monitoring Program.
Class #2 Acoustic Analysis Course - 1-3 June, 2017 - $920
This course provides instruction on advanced software techniques for profficient analysis of bat call data. It will teach workflow patterns for both manual and autoidentification software, and provide practice with species identification.
- Overview of bat acoustic analysis software including KaleidoscopePro, BCID, EchoClass, Sonobat.
- Practice with species identification, focussing on eastern Canada species.
- Special attention will be given to dealing with large datasets including file management, automated analysis, and generation of graphics for inclusion in reports.
- Workflow patterns (including effective incorporation of autoID) with hands-on exercises.
- A Techniques Course pre-requiste is highly recommended. Schedule (Subject to change based on weather conditions.)
Class #1: Acoustic Techniques (29-31 May):
Days 1, 2, and 3:
- Classroom instruction from 9am to ~ 5pm
- Evenings will begin a bit before dark and include field recording for several hours after sunset on days 1 and 2.
- Classroom instruction 9am - 5 pm on day 3
Class #2: Acoustic Analysis (1-3 June):
Day 1: - Classroom instruction 9am - ~ 9pm
Day 2: - Classroom instruction 9am to ~ 9pm
Day 3: - Classroom instruction 9am to- ~ 5pm
Acoustic Detector Equipment for Techniques Course
Course participants are encouraged to bring their own detectors to the class for hands on practice, and programming of their own field units. If you have an ipad (4th generation or Air; lightning port), ipad mini (lightning port and retina display), or iphone (5s, 5c, 5, 6,or 6s) device, bring this as there may be some EMTouch modules available for practice in field.
Downloads For The Courses
Software downloads will be required. You will ideally have a PC-based laptop to bring to class. Not all software will run on MAC. You will need to install some programs ahead of time. You will need Excel. If you are bringing any of the iOS devices listed below, download the free Echo Meter Touch app onto your device before coming to class.
There will not be internet ready available in the classroom, but there is cellular coverage.
An email will go out ahead of the class, but the following is a list to get started:
- KaleidoscopePro (lastest version) can be found at http://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/products/kaleidoscope-software/download. Note that you will be issued a Kaleidoscope license at or just before class. [Download for one or both courses]
- Analook software and CFCRead can be downloaded at http://users.lmi.net/corben/Beta/. Just download and unzip the first and 6th programs on this list. [Download for one or both courses]. Note! Do not copy these files to your desktop and do not place them in "My Documents" folder. Instead place them as high as you can in the directory tree of your laptop such as in the C: drive. No installation is required.
- Song Meter SM3BAT and SM4BAT configurator programs should be downloaded if you plan to use these types of detectors in the future: https://www.wildlifeacoustics.com/download/song-meter-configurators [Download for Techniques Class only]
Nearest Airport
London International Airport http://flylondon.ca/
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation
- On site camping available https://www.fanshaweconservationarea.ca/blank-2
- The Best Western - London Airport Inn and Suites https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-details.66123.html?iata=00171880&ssob=BLBWI0004G&cid=BLBWI0004G:google:gmb:66123
- Delta Armouries http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yxudl-delta-hotels-london-armouries/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2
- Holiday Inn Express http://hiexlondondowntown.com/rooms/
Meals - Dinners will be provided on 29 May and 1 June.
Snacks and tea/coffee will be provided.
Please direct any food allergies or special diet needs to rsoares@wcs.org
Cancellation
Cancellation with a full refund is available up until April 29th.
WCSC reserves the right to cancel the course up to 30 days before the start date.
Other Equipment to Bring for Techniques Course
- Earbuds/earphones
- Headlamp
- Optional: Card reader (SD and CF cards) – there will be a few readers available to borrow
Please direct any questions or registration problems to hgates@wcs.org
