About the Project
Gray-cheeked Thrush by Jason Jablonski.
Ever wondered about which birds fly over your house at night during spring or fall migration? Your curiosity for nocturnal migration could contribute to a groundbreaking Indiana Audubon initiative. In spring 2024, we launched a pilot project to collect data on nocturnal flight calls — and we invited participants to be a part of it.
Nocturnal flight calls (NFCs) are unique vocalizations produced by certain bird families during their nighttime migratory journeys. These calls, brief and distinctive, play a crucial role in maintaining group cohesion, preventing collisions, and facilitating communication among groups of migrating birds. By studying NFCs, we gain valuable insights into bird migration patterns, species composition, and the timing of these remarkable events.
Project Goals
Each season, our objective is to train a select group of dedicated volunteers to record and analyze NFCs using artificial intelligence (AI) and audio editing software. We provide all necessary recording equipment and offer comprehensive training on software installation and usage. Volunteers will gain proficiency in navigating the technology and conducting analyses, supported by IAS staff and fellow NFC project participants.
Project Timeline & Requirements
Our “Echoes of the Night Sky” data collection for fall 2024 will occur between Aug. 15 and Oct. 31, 2024. Your recordings will be part of the eBird database, contributing to our state’s bird records. We’re keeping it flexible – asking you to record just one night per week during this period. Feel free to record on additional nights if you’re up for it!
Here’s the scoop on your tasks. They’re pretty straightforward:
- Record NFCs from your rooftop or an accessible quiet space outdoors.
- Upload files and analyze your recordings with assistance from AI and fellow NFC recordists online.
- Input your sightings into eBird (see an example here) and attach some sound clips each week.
- Share your amazing sightings from right overhead with others!
Hop on over to the Nocturnal Flight Calls Facebook group for more insights. While not affiliated with Indiana Audubon, this group is the leading resource for NFC enthusiasts around the globe.
Selection Criteria
Participation in this project is open to active Indiana Audubon members. Due to its focus on NFCs, citizen science, and data collection, this project demands a high degree of technical proficiency, making it best suited for birders with strong technical skills. Familiarity with using Python environments is a plus, and having your own computer (whether it’s a Mac or PC) is a must.
Unfortunately, if you own a Google Chromebook or Apple iPad, you won’t be able to participate due to the technical specifications required for the AI software, Nighthawk. Some MacBooks are capable of running the Python environment, but check Nighthawk’s requirements and Python’s macOS requirements to confirm compatibility.
Learn more about NFC monitoring before joining in. Download our First Steps document and detailed 16-page Project Guide to explore the process.
Contact Information
If you’re interested in capturing NFC data and unraveling the mysteries of bird migration, email [email protected] to express interest in being a part of this project.
Participants for the fall 2024 season are already selected, but you can email us to be added to the waiting list.
Spring 2024 Data
Curious about this year’s spring migration through our nocturnal flight call data? Discover which species flew over Indiana through our monthly eBird trip reports for March, April, and May, which covers the period of March 15 to May 31, 2024.
Fall 2024 Data
Curious about this year’s fall migration? Explore our monthly NFC summaries for August, September, and October.
Project Support
Echoes of the Night Sky research project support is provided by the Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation, with additional ARU project support by the Eclipse Soundscapes Project.
