Monitoring and surveys

Aeroecology

Waardenburg Ecology is active is a range of ecosystems, including in the air. The study of how organisms, such as birds bats and insects, interact with the aerosphere is becoming increasingly important for a full understanding of impacts of human activities. We have been studying airbourne animals for decades and have experience of specialist technologies such as radar, aerial surveys, audio recorders and tracking devices.

The flight movements of geese after sunset or the presence of bats after dark can go unnoticed to the untrained eye. Our ecologists have special knowledge on techniques that shine light on hidden nocturnal life and to study animal movements in the air.

Bird's-eye view

We undertake research from the air, including aerial surveys, vegetation surveys, and colony counts and nest inspections with UAVs. We also use animal-borne tracking devices and automated measuring techniques such as bioacoustics and radar ornithology to give further insights into animal behaviour in the air.

Aerial surveys are carried out using experienced observers and we have worked with the same pilot since 2004. This ensures safe and accurate surveys. We have also experience of digital aerial surveys.

Automated techniques

We use the latest technology, including 3D automated bird radars, UAVs, GPS transmitters, data loggers, thermal imaging and automatic audio registration (bioacoustics). We also have decades of experience with these techniques to ensure data collection and interpretation are carried out efficiently and using the latest techniques.

Using automated techniques we can study animal behaviour in inaccessible areas such as offshore, and also around the clock.