Wilder Sensing: An Ecologist's Perspective

Wilder Sensing: An Ecologist's Perspective
Kate Downes (Ethos Environmental Planning)
17 Sep 2024

Traditional field surveys are essential for understanding which species of bird are present on a site and how they are using it. However, these surveys only provide a snapshot in time and are limited by cost and field surveyor availability. Bioacoustic monitoring can monitor a site year-round but may miss things that field surveyors would detect. Kate will discuss how Ethos Environmental Planning has developed a hybrid programme of bioacoustic and field surveys for undertaking ornithological site monitoring.

Kate Downes is an Ecologist at Ethos Environmental Planning and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology & Environmental Management. Kate's specialism is ornithology, in her role at Ethos she leads the design and implementation of bird surveys across the seasons. Her previous work includes studying the Mauritius Kestrel as a field biologist and current work with barn owls helping the South Glos Owl and Bird of Prey Conservation Group (SGOBPC) monitor the species.