BirdNET-Pi

Curious to see what birds species are in the Sunbury, PA area ? You can visit my personal Bird NET-PI by following the link --> HERE <--

If you would like to learn how to install and run your own Bird NET-PI ? You can read below or go to the website

For iPhone and Android phone apps you can get BirdNET Sound ID HERE

To see how Bird NET_PI is being used to monitor species along and around the Susquehanna River CLICK HERE

Introducing the BirdNet Unit, an open-source bird surveillance system designed to revolutionize bird-watching while contributing to environmental research. Developed by Cornell University and their birdweather.com initiative, this project aims to make bird data accessible to anyone.

This BirdNet-Pi Unit features a custom weatherproof design, making it durable for outdoor use. It is built upon open-source software available for Raspberry Pi, obtained from the open-source community. By researching and implementing techniques to weatherproof the Raspberry Pi and its components, including waterproofing the microphone, this project adapts existing technology for use in harsh outdoor environments during the summer and winter months.

One of the key applications of the BirdNet-Pi Unit is in environmental research, particularly in partnership with the organization like the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper. By deploying these units along waterways, valuable data can be collected to identify bird species affected by poor water quality.

To learn more about this project and its impact, visit the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper's website . Join us on our mission to empower individuals and organizations to monitor and protect avian life while contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Together, we can make a difference in understanding and preserving our natural world.

Please note that while this project involves adapting and deploying existing open-source software and technology, credit for the original software and its development belongs to the open-source community and Cornell University's birdweather.com initiative.

Learn about BirdNet-Pi & MySQL databases

Learn about BirdNet-Pi powered by Solar power

Learn about BirdNet Detection Data retrieval script

Benefits of the Bird Net-Pi Project

Accessible Bird Data: The BirdNet project makes bird data accessible to anyone interested in bird-watching and environmental research, opening access to valuable information.
Environmental Monitoring: By deploying BirdNet units along waterways and other natural habitats, researchers can monitor bird populations as indicators of ecosystem health. Changes in bird species composition or abundance can signal shifts in environmental conditions, helping to identify areas in need of conservation or restoration efforts.
Open-Source Collaboration: The project is built upon open-source software and technology, fostering collaboration within the scientific and tech communities to improve bird surveillance and environmental monitoring.
Adaptation of Existing Technology: By adapting existing Raspberry Pi technology and open-source software, the BirdNet project maximizes efficiency and minimizes costs, making bird surveillance more accessible.
Community Engagement: BirdNet encourages community involvement in bird-watching and environmental conservation efforts, empowering individuals and organizations to contribute to scientific research.
Species Identification: The BirdNet-Pi Unit's surveillance capabilities enable researchers to identify bird species in real-time, facilitating more accurate data collection and analysis for ecological studies.
Data-Driven Conservation: The data collected by BirdNet units can inform evidence-based conservation strategies. By identifying bird species affected by poor water quality or other environmental stressors, conservationists can target interventions to improve habitat quality and protect vulnerable species.
Public Awareness and Education: The BirdNet project raises awareness about the importance of birds in ecosystems and the impacts of environmental degradation on avian populations. Through public engagement and educational initiatives, the project fosters a greater understanding of the interconnections between human activities and the natural world, inspiring individuals to take action to protect the environment.

I had the opportunity to discuss the deployment of Bird Net Pi Units in collaboration with the Middle Susquehanna River Keeper on a nationally syndicated BirdNote podcast. To learn more, listen to the podcast episode https://www.birdnote.org/podcasts/bring-birds-back/your-rivers-keeper

In this picture you can see Douglas Fessler and John Zaktansky standing in front of a class of Chief Science Officers at the Montour Preserve, facilitated by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit. Douglas Fessler, holding up a prototype of the bird net pi unit, a device designed to monitor bird vocalizations, while John Zaktansky, the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, stands beside him.

Douglas Fessler and John Zaktansky passionately explain the benefits of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and how it can be utilized to address environmental challenges. They emphasize the importance of thinking outside the box and leveraging technology and science to protect and monitor the environment.

The Chief Science Officers are engaged, their faces reflecting curiosity and intrigue as they absorb the knowledge being shared. The scene encapsulates Douglas Fessler and John Zaktansky's dedication to blending computer science skills with environmental science, showcasing a commitment to innovation and sustainability. It exemplifies the power of education and technology in shaping a better future for our planet.

The picture depicts Doug Fessler installing a bird net unit along Penns Creek. With focused attention, he sets up the equipment carefully, aiming to monitor and collect data on aquatic bird species along the waterways.

The case is designed to fully protect the delicate Raspberry Pi from water damage, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the technology used for environmental monitoring in wet conditions.

In this picture, Douglas Fessler is focused on installing a bird net unit at Montour Preserve. The purpose of this installation is to identify the species attracted to the lake and its surrounding area. The scene captures Douglas' dedication to environmental research and conservation efforts as he works to understand the local ecosystem and its avian inhabitants.

The installation of the bird net unit at Montour Preserve not only helps identify the bird species in the area but also supports the newly launched Vernal School initiative focused on environmental education. By incorporating this installation into the curriculum, students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning about the local ecosystem and its avian inhabitants.

Fessler IT Consulting

is proud to be a partner with the

Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership

Get Involved

Interested in learning more about how we set up the Bird Net-Pi Project? Visit the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper's website for more information on how you can get involved.

For inquiries or more information about the project, please feel free to contact Douglas Fessler at fessler.douglas@gmail.com or the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky at midsusriver@gmail.com or through the contact form on their website.