Introduction to Sound Analysis

This session provides an introduction to bat call analysis using sound analysis software. We will use Wildlife Acoustics Kaleidoscope software as this can be downloaded free of charge, but the analysis techniques covered will be applicable to a range of different programs. As well as species ID we will look at the links between species’ ecology and call characteristics. Attendees will be given a library of recordings of bat calls to work through which they can keep afterwards for their own use.

This workshop will be run online via Zoom and led by Philip Briggs, Monitoring Manager for the National Bat Monitoring Programme. This is an interactive workshop involving practical exercises. An agenda for the workshop can be found below.

At the Bat Conservation Trust we want everyone to have opportunities to connect with bats and nature and get involved with conservation. We recognise that people of colour and racially or ethnically minoritised groups are particularly underrepresented in the conservation sector. If this is relevant for you, please select the concession for underrepresented groups when booking. Concessions are also available for BCT and bat group members, existing NBMP volunteers, students, and those who are unwaged.

When booking on there is the option to buy BCT’s “Identifying Bats in Flight” booklet (28 pages), which is a useful reference for beginners. The booklet provides an introduction to different types of bat detectors, and an overview of field and call characteristics of UK bat species. However this is not a requirement for the workshop and all attendees will receive a simpler PDF document showing species call shapes and call parameters. 

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at nbmp@bats.org.uk.

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Workshop outline:

Start at 6:30 pm

Introduction to Bat Sound Analysis​

Overview of different bat detector systems

Sound analysis software and overview of commonly used programs

Visual representations of sounds (spectogram, oscillogram, power spectrum)

Identifying different UK species

Part 1: Species identification just using call shape and peak frequency

Play sequence

Select calls for analysis

Call shape

Peak frequency

Pipistrelles

Noctule/Leisler’s bat

Horseshoe bats

Practical exercises

Part 2: Additional parameters to measure for identifying trickier species

Start and end frequency

Duration

Interpulse interval

Myotis species

Daubenton’s bat

Natterer’s bat

Serotine

Harmonics

Long-eared bats

Barbastelle

Practical exercises

Other sounds

Feeding buzzes

Social calls

Checking against references

Practical session – identifying mystery call sequences

Finish at 9 pm