Purpose of the Session

This workshop will guide participants through the complete workflow of bird sound recording—from field techniques to audio editing and contribution to the Macaulay Library via eBird—using free, accessible tools and both dedicated equipment and smartphones. Participants will gain practical skills they can immediately apply and share within their home communities, helping to address critical gaps in Caribbean bioacoustic data.

Background and Rationale

The Caribbean is home to one of the highest concentrations of endemic bird species in the world, yet the region remains underrepresented in global bioacoustic archives. Sound recordings are increasingly important for documenting biodiversity, supporting species identification, and contributing reference material for tools such as the Macaulay Library and Merlin, which are widely used by researchers, educators, birders, and conservation practitioners.

As automated bird detection and passive acoustic monitoring continue to expand, it is essential that Caribbean bird species are well represented in scientific sound archives. At the same time, many local birders and naturalists have had limited exposure to sound recording techniques or affordable recording equipment. Recent technological advances have made sound recording more accessible than ever, creating new opportunities for participation in bioacoustic documentation and conservation.

This workshop is designed to lower barriers to participation by introducing practical, affordable recording methods and providing hands-on experience with field recording, sound editing, and data sharing.

Session Objectives

• Increase participation in bird sound recording across the Caribbean
• Introduce field recording techniques and affordable sound recording equipment
• Share best practices for managing, editing, and documenting recordings for scientific use
• Demonstrate the workflow for uploading recordings to the Macaulay Library via eBird
• Introduce the Grabando Aves initiative as a model for community-based sound recording programs
• Encourage participants to contribute recordings and replicate training activities in their home countries

Session Structure and Format

This workshop will take place at Asa Wright Nature Centre during the mid-conference field trip day on 25 July. Upon arrival in the morning, participants will attend a short classroom-based Introduction to Sound Recording (30 minutes), covering basic field recording techniques, recommended equipment, and practical tips for recording bird sounds using smartphones and dedicated recording devices.

Following the introduction, participants will head out onto the trails at Asa Wright in groups of two to practice recording bird sounds while enjoying birding in one of the Caribbean’s premier rainforest birding locations. Participants will return to the classroom by 11:00 AM for a session on sound editing and archiving, including guidance on managing, evaluating, editing, and uploading recordings to the Macaulay Library via eBird using free software such as Ocenaudio. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops for a more interactive experience.

Participants will enjoy lunch at Asa Wright, and the afternoon will remain open for continued birding and sound recording practice on the veranda and trails. Facilitators will be available throughout the afternoon to provide additional assistance with sound editing and workflow questions. Space is limited to 20 participants. If you are interested in attending, please complete the short application form below. A second workshop on Passive Acoustic Monitoring will also be offered at Asa Wright in the afternoon, and participants may apply to attend both workshops.

Target Audience

Researchers, conservation practitioners, NGOs, government agencies, educators, outreach professionals, students, early-career professionals, ecotourism and bird guides, and members of the general public.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased capacity for bird sound recording across the Caribbean
• Improved participant skills in field recording, sound editing, and audio archiving
• Greater contribution of Caribbean bird sounds to global biodiversity databases
• Development of a regional network of Caribbean sound recordists connected through Grabando Aves
• A replicable workshop model that can be adapted and delivered by regional partners

Registration and Cost

Space is limited to 20 participants per workshop, and advance application is required.

Click here to apply

Participation includes:

• Round-trip transportation to Asa Wright Nature Centre
• Access to Asa Wright’s trails and facilities for the day
• Lunch at Asa Wright Nature Centre
• Workshop participation and materials

Cost:

• US $79 to attend one workshop
• US $89 to attend both workshops

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* Please note that pricing is subject to minor adjustment based on final transportation and participation costs.

Sponsored conference delegates will have the workshop field trip day covered through their sponsorship support.