Equipment – Hoopoe – A blog by nhbs

Equipment in Focus: BirdMic Parabolic Microphone

The BirdMic is a compact, directional parabolic microphone. Intended for bird calls, BirdMic allows users to listen, record and identify species on their smartphone in real time with the help of a bird identification app, such as Merlin Bird ID. It is self-powered, easy to use, and requires no previous experience to get started.

BirdMic Kit Includes:

Parabolic dish (25cm diameter)
Omnidirectional microphone
Audio interface (to connect your smartphone, camera or field recorder)
Headphones
Hand grip
Windshield
Flash shoe adapter
Various cables and adapters for smart phone connection
Extension tube to attach field recorder
Carrying bag

Ideal for the capture of bird song, BirdMic features a high sensitivity (-24dB), low noise (S/N 80dB) omnidirectional microphone to provide crisp recordings with excellent clarity. It is most suited to sounds above 1,500Hz, making it ideal for bird song.

The parabolic dish is made from durable ABS material and amplifies sound through collecting and focussing sound waves – waves bounce from the inner face of the dish and are directed onto the microphone at the centre, isolated and amplified and transmitted to a digital recording device.

Attaching directly to the parabolic dish, the audio interface allows the connection of a smartphone which can also be mounted via the included brackets. Once connected, simply open an automatic ID app, like Merlin, to record birds in real-time. Headphones can also be connected for live monitoring.

BirdMic in the field

Tom took BirdMic along the banks of the River Dart to test the performance of the microphone and see how it compares to using just a smartphone.

We simply set up the Birdmic, plugged in a smartphone and turned on the audio interface. With an overall diameter of 25cm and a weight of 1kg, the whole set up was extremely easy to transport.

A screenshot of the Merlin app spectrogram — Spectrogram of bird song captured with BirdMic using Merlin.

Our thoughts

We were really impressed with the BirdMic! It was very simple to assemble and use, and worked well to isolate and amplify bird sound in different conditions.

At just 1kg, it is very lightweight – the overall design makes this parabolic easy to walk around with, and its handy size and weight minimises arm strain when holding the microphone. The highly sensitive microphone worked well and was able to pick up bird song from a much greater distance than a smartphone. The directional microphone makes it ideal for homing in on a particular song, and allows the user to pinpoint the birds location. This also helps to eliminate any underlying noise in the background of the recording – for instance, water flow, wind or traffic noise.

We feel the Birdmic offers great value and is very easy to use. It is an entry-level parabolic that is ideal for a keen birdwatcher, or birding and naturalist groups looking to capture, listen to or record bird sound. As a lightweight, sturdy recorder, there is also significant potential for educational purposes, and it could be utilised in outdoor education clubs and classes to encourage an interest in nature by younger generations.

Find the BirdMic available exclusively on the NHBS website here. Our full range of sound recorders can be found here.

If you have any questions about our range or would like some advice on the right product for you then please contact us via email at customer.services@nhbs.com or phone on 01803 865913.

The NHBS Guide to Badger Gates

The European Badger (Meles meles) is one of the most iconic species found on the British Isles. These shy and elusive animals spend much of their time during the day hidden away within their extensive underground setts, emerging around dusk to forage on smaller mammals, earthworms, roots, bulbs and fruit.

Within their territories, badgers will follow established routes between foraging areas. When these pathways become obstructed by fencing, such as exclusion fencing for stock or deer, badgers will often dig under the obstruction to regain access to a familiar site and in doing so they may cause damage to the fence and allow in potentially unwanted species. In these circumstances, many developers will install a badger gate to allow badgers to freely access the site. These rectangular gates are constructed of either wood or metal and often feature locking mechanisms to ensure badgers can only pass through in a certain direction.

Although badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, there are situations where developers need to temporarily or permanently exclude badgers from areas. This may be when they, or their setts, could be at risk of harm or disturbance. In these circumstances, and under acquisition of a license, one-way badger gates can be installed in sett entrances or in fencing surrounding a development to gradually exclude badgers from the area. These badgers will then either relocate to a new territory or to a nearby artificially-created sett.

At NHBS we manufacture a range of badger gates and this article will outline how they can be installed and used in different badger mitigation projects.

Softwood Badger Gate

This softwood badger gate has been designed in accordance with the specifications outlined by Natural England (available here) and is an excellent economic choice for many projects. It is constructed from untreated FSC-certified timber, which ensures badgers will not be harmed if they ingest any chewed wood. This gate has been designed so that it will not jam following periods of rain when the wood may swell.

The softwood gate is suitable for use where badgers require access through a fence. This gate can also be used in exclusion projects; however unlike our aluminium gates they can be damaged by chewing and often have a shorter lifespan.

Frame Dimensions: 450mm (H) x 285mm (W)
Entrance Dimensions: 250mm (H) x 200mm (W)
Material: Untreated FSC timber
Weight: 2.1kg

Access Badger Gate

The access badger gate is constructed from marine grade aluminium which ensures it is strong enough for repeated use while keeping it lighter than most steel gates. It features a heavy-duty grill panel which allows badgers to view what is on the other side of the gate, which can encourage some badgers to pass through. It has pointed legs which should be driven into the ground using a wooden mallet, however a hammer can also be used with a block of wood (striking the frame directly may cause warping and damage). The gate has two locking tabs that can be adjusted using a size 10 spanner to allow either two-way or one-way access.

This gate is designed for use in long-term projects where badgers need access through stock or deer fencing. For exclusion projects we would recommend our exclusion gates.

Frame Dimensions: 595mm (H) x 295mm (W)
Entrance Dimensions: 320mm (H) x 220mm (W)
Material: Marine Grade Aluminium
Weight: 3kg

Exclusion Badger Gate

The exclusion badger gate is also constructed from marine grade aluminium and comes fitted with a solid gate flap. This solid door has been designed based on evidence that some badgers can learn to use their claws to lift grill gates open. Another feature of this gate is that it does not have legs. This allows the gate to be positioned either vertically or horizontally in awkward sett entrances where a typical vertical gate would not be suitable. By installing this gate ecologists and developers can be confident that badgers will not be able to re-enter an exclusion zone.

This gate is also available with pointed legs, for installation within exclusion fencing.

Frame Dimensions: 400mm (H) x 295mm (W)
Entrance Dimensions: 320mm (H) x 220mm (W)
Material: Marine Grade Aluminium
Weight: 2.6kg

Accessories

Badger Fencing

All of our gates can be incorporated into this high tensile wire fencing. It can be erected as a freestanding barrier or installed across a sett to prevent badgers from digging to form new entrances or to get around any installed gates.

Stainless Steel Cable Ties

These strong, corrosion resistant cable ties can be used to quickly and easily secure a badger gate frame to the surrounding fencing.

Caudon® High Tensile Steel Pegs

These steel pegs are excellent for securing fencing to the ground, particularly in areas where badgers are prone to tunnelling. These pegs can also be driven through the access and exclusion badger gates to provide a firmer placement.

Top 5: Binoculars

A good pair of binoculars is a staple in any naturalist’s kit. Whether you are wildlife watching, insect spotting or exploring the wilderness, we have a fantastic range of optics to enhance your outdoor activities.

Discover our top 5 best binoculars for wildlife watching below, where we highlight the key features of each for easy comparison.

Bushnell Prime Binoculars 8×32 BP832B

A great entry-level option with high quality optical performance, these binoculars are waterproof, lightweight and robust which makes them great for fieldwork. A wide field of view makes these ideal for fast moving animals and large landscapes, and the anti-reflective coasting ensures a bright image with high contrast.

EXO barrier coatings to repel oil, dust and water
BAK-4 Prisms for excellent image quality and low light performance
20-year guarantee
Weight: 479g
Magnification: 8x
Field of view: 130m @ 1000m
Eye relief: 18mm
Close focus: 9ft / 3m

GPO PASSION ED 8×32/42mm Binoculars

Combine value and performance with these lightweight binoculars from GPO. A magnesium body provides a robust chassis, the Schmidt-Pechan prisms further enhance their durability, while superb clarity and exceptional colour transmission ensure an excellent price to performance ratio.

Suitable for all levels of expertise
Multi-coated lenses for exceptional clarity and colour transmission
Wide field of view
10-year guarantee
Weight: 520g
Magnification: 8x
Eye relief: 16mm
Field of view: 139m @ 1000m
Close focus: 2m

Hawke Optics Nature-Trek Binoculars 8×42

Completely waterproof and fog free, these robust binoculars are ideal for fieldwork. The multi-coated optics and an inner-focus optical design ensure high resolution images, and a close focus distance of 2m make them great for observing insects.

Shock resistant polycarbonate body
BAK-4 roof prism
Lifetime guarantee
Winner – Best Low Cost Binocular Award 2014
Weight: 638g
Magnification: 8x
Eye relief: 18mm
Field of view: 129m @ 1000m
Close focus: 2m / 6.6ft

Opticron Explorer WA ED-R Binoculars 10×42

An impressive field of view makes these compact binoculars great for surveying large landscapes and fast-moving animals, and a close focus of 2m makes them suitable for viewing insects too. Multi–coated lenses allow extra light transmission and colour contrast, ensuring clear, crisp viewing.

Nitrogen waterproof construction
Close focus: 2.5m / 8.2ft
Weight: 660g
Magnification: 10x
Eye relief: 15mm
Field of view: 113m @ 1000m
10-year guarantee

Swarovski CL Pocket Binoculars with Wild Nature Case 10×25

Ideal for travelling, these pocket binoculars are compact and lightweight, while providing users with a large field of view and great close focus suitable for insect observation. A high-quality lens and prism coating ensure excellent optical performance, even at low light, and SWAROBRIGHT phase prism coating ensures better colour reproduction and light transmission.

10-year warranty
Waterproof to 4m
Magnification: 10x
Eye relief: 17mm
Field of view: 98m @ 1000m
Close focus: 2.5m
Weight: 350g

For more information on how to choose the right pair of binoculars, see our blog post on the Conservation Hub.

Top 5: Thermal Scopes

Thermal scopes detect and display temperature variations and can use the infrared energy (heat) emitted by warm-blooded animals to create a distinct thermal profile. They produce an image that displays different temperatures in different colours which can be used to visibly detect the location of animals that may not otherwise be seen due to lack of light.

Thermal scopes are typically used to survey nocturnal or elusive species. Particularly useful when used in bat surveys, they can be used to identify roost access points with greater accuracy and can provide improved-quality images of animals in flight. Thermal scopes are also used in surveys for other wildlife, including bird ringing programmes and nest box monitoring, particularly for Pine Martens. This non-invasive technology allows ecologists to monitor wildlife whilst minimising disturbance, allowing for more accurate data reporting on wildlife behaviour. They can be used during both the day and night and offer different colour palettes to improve visibility in different environmental conditions.

Thermal scopes are designed with varied capabilities and are suitable for a range of users, from naturalists to ecologists. Here we explore a range of thermal scopes available on our website, including both affordable and more advanced options, and highlight the benefits and features of each.

Pulsar Telos XP50 Thermal Imaging Monocular

Featuring an industry-leading thermal sensor, this high performance monocular provides high resolution imagery in all conditions and has a built-in laser range finder (LRF) capable of long-distance measurements. Durable and user–friendly, these waterproof optics are suitable for all weather conditions and are designed with a wear-resistant rubberised body to maximise longevity.

Sensor: 640 × 480, 17µm, <18mK NETD
Lens: 50mm/F1.0 Germanium lens
Magnification: 2.5-10.0× (and 4× digital zoom)
Frame rate: 50Hz
Detection range: 1,800m
Video/photo resolution: 1024 × 768
Rating: IPX7
Operating time: Up to 8.5hrs
Weight: 720g with battery

Pixfra Sirius S650 Thermal Imaging Monocular

A compact, powerful monocular offering an incredible optical performance. This monocular has an impressive magnification and detection range, making it ideal for wildlife observation and recording thermal images at a distance. And with 64GB built-in storage, still images or video can be recorded at the push of a button.

Sensor: 640 × 512, 12µm, <18mK NETD
Lens: 50mm/F0.9
Magnification: 3.45 ×
Frame rate: 50Hz
Detection range: Up to 2,600m
Rating: IP67
Operating time: Up to 6 hours
Weight: 537g

Pixfra Arc 600 Series Thermal Imaging Monoculars

A great all-round choice at a competitive price point, this thermal monocular is compact, lightweight and has the widest field of view in the Pixfra range making it ideal for emergence surveys. A highly robust chassis and an IP67 rating mean that this monocular is incredibly durable and is built to withstand poor weather conditions, drops and scrapes in the field.

Sensor: 640 × 512, 12µm, NETD <30mK
Lens: 13mm/F1.0
Magnification: 0.875×
Frame rate: 50Hz
Detection range: 670m
Rating: IP67
Operating time: Up to 6.5h
Weight: 304g (excluding battery)

Pulsar Merger LRF XP50 Thermal Imaging Binoculars

High-spec, professional-level thermal binoculars, this device features a built-in laser range finder and a highly sensitive thermal sensor operating across a long detection range. Lightweight and durable, these advanced thermal optics are highly resistant to harsh environmental conditions and can be submerged in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.

Sensor: 640 × 480, 17 µm, NETD <25mK
Lens: Fast aperture F50/1.0 germanium lens
Magnification: 2.5×-20× (and digital 8× zoom)
Frame rate: 50Hz
Detection range: 1,800m
Video/photo resolution: 1024p × 768p
Rating: IPX7
Operating time: Approx 10hrs
Weight: 800g

Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35 Pro Thermal Imaging Monocular

A lightweight and highly portable mid-range monocular, this thermal scope features an industry-leading sensor and a high-quality aperture objective lens to ensure clear, distinguished viewing. Innovative in design, this monocular allows for still image and video recording to internal memory, and is Wi-Fi enabled to allow for easy downloads to a mobile device.

Sensor: 384 × 288, 17 µm, NETD <25mK
Lens: Fast aperture Germanium 35mm/F1.0 objective lens
Magnification: 2-8×,
Detection range:1,300m @ 1.8m
Video/photo resolution: 528 x 400p
Rating: IPX7
Operating time: Up to 11 hours
Weight: 380g

Recommended Reading:

Thermal Imaging for Wildlife Applications

Paperback & Hardback | Oct 2023

A practical guide that collects findings from academic research and applied field protocols to inform readers on the fundamentals of the technology, its methods, equipment and applications.

The NHBS Harp Trap: New Model Assembly Instructions

This blog provides a step-by-step guide on to how to set up and disassemble the latest model of the NHBS manufactured Harp Trap.

Please note that the NHBS Harp Trap is a made-to-order item, contact us at customer.services@nhbs.com for enquiries and we will be happy to advise on the current lead time.

Handling your trap

The trap carry bag has been designed to allow handling/carrying by either one or two people.

What’s in the bag?

1 × Harp Trap, 4 × legs, 2 × support poles (in two parts), 1 × accessories pack (including instructions, 4 × pegs, 4 × guy ropes and spare line)

Please follow these instructions for correct assembly and disassembly. We recommend that this is carried out by two people.

Setting Up

1 . Carefully remove the harp trap from its carry bag and place the frame upright on the floor.

2 . Take the legs out of the carry bag and insert them into the holes on the underside of the frame – it is easiest to do this one end at a time. When required, all legs can be individually adjusted to raise the trap or to level out when setting up on uneven ground.

3 . Undo the straps and allow the collecting bag to settle by opening the arms of the frame out fully. If using guy ropes, attach them to the upper carriage now.

4 . Release the spring locking pins at both ends of the trap by pulling the lever out and rotating 90° to lock in the open position. Grab the longer piece of the support poles and hold upright with the connector facing down. Now, loosen the star handled screw and carefully lift the top carriage, raising it away from the main frame. Insert the support pole through the hole, where you removed the upper carriage from, and allow the poles to sit on the floor. Then insert the top carriage locating pins into the open end of the support poles.

5 . If using guy ropes, untie and allow to hang.

6. Working at the same pace, slowly raise the support pole so that the bottom of the pole is just below the lower part of the main frame, watching closely to ensure no strings get tangled. Once you reach this height, tighten the star handled screw to secure the support pole in position.

7 . Take the shorter parts of the support poles and attach them to the bottom of the longer parts by screwing together.

8 . With the support poles now at their full length, while holding on to them, loosen the star handled screw and continue to raise them, still working together and checking for any string snagging. Raise until the bottom of the pole is level (or as near as possible) with the bottom of the frame and tighten star handled screws.

9 . Engage both spring locking pins to secure the lower carriage.

10 . If you are using them for stability, you can now peg out the guy ropes and your trap is ready for use.

Disassembly

1 . If used, pull out the pegs and store them carefully.

2 . Release the spring locking pins from both ends of the trap. Hold the support poles (one person at each end) and loosen the star handled screws to lower the poles.

3 . Continue to slowly lower the poles and as you do so, carefully start winding the bottom line carrier, taking great care to ensure no lines get tangled. Guiding the lines with your hand/arm is key. Keep lowering the support poles slowly and evenly while winding the line carrier until the support poles rest on the floor.

4 . With the support poles resting on the ground, tighten the star handled screw to hold the pole in position, unscrew the lower/short part of the support pole and safely place to one side.

5 . Hold onto the support pole, loosen the thumb screw, and continue to lower until the pole sits on the ground. If used, gather up the guy ropes, tie them up, detach from the frame and place safely to one side.

6 . Now lift the top carriage off from the top of the support pole, slide the pole out from the frame and place to one side. Continue to lower the top carriage, whilst winding the bottom carriage, until the top carriage sits on the main frame.

7 . Once the top carriage has been lowered fully, engage the spring locking pins and tighten the star handled screw to secure it in place, fold the arms of the catch bag assembly inwards until they meet, wrap the bag around the trap and tie the straps to secure.

8 . Remove the legs from the frame, working on one end of the frame at a time is easiest. If you have extended the legs, to aid storage, reduce them to their shortest length.

9 . Place the guy ropes and pegs back in the accessories bag. Put the legs and the support poles in the bottom of the carry bag and finally, carefully place the trap and accessories bag back into the carry bag, safe and sound, ready for next time.

NHBS In the Field – Song Meter Mini 2 and Micro 2

The second-generation Song Meter Mini 2 and Micro 2 are the latest additions to the Wildlife Acoustics acoustic recorder range, with the Song Meter Mini 2 available in both AA and Li-Ion powered versions.

I was eager to test the new Li-Ion version of the Song Meter Mini 2, which I set up alongside the Song Meter Micro 2 in early December. The aim of this deployment was to compare the performance of the two models, and as a self-described ‘bird nerd’, I was also very excited to capture recordings of the incredible birdlife that resides on Dartmoor.

Deployment

The Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion model holds six rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion batteries with a minimum of one required for deployment. In this case, I used four batteries in both devices which provided ample runtime for this short field test, and I inserted a 32GB SDHC card – unfortunately, I did not have access to a battery charger so the Song Meter Mini 2 began the deployment at 57% battery life. I set up the recorders in a rural Dartmoor village hoping for clear recordings.

Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (right) and Song Meter Micro 2 (left) set up with batteries and SD cards. — Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (left) and Song Meter Micro 2 (right) set up with batteries and SD cards.

One of the main strengths of Wildlife Acoustic’s recorders is their simple deployment and configuration using the free Song Meter app. Here you can select your preferred recording schedule and check the status of your recorder at any time while in Bluetooth range – this provides information on SDHC card capacity, battery life, recording mode, and number of recordings taken. For this deployment, I used a pre-set recording schedule to record birds for two hours around sunrise and sunset.

Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (right) and Micro 2 (left) status before deployment. — Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (left) and Micro 2 (right) status before deployment.

Both models now feature cable lock holes so that they can be safely secured during deployment – using a Python Lock, I fixed the device to a tree and left it to record for two days.

Results

Over 2 days, I had collected 33 recordings on each device. Both devices had ample battery life remaining and had used just 1.75GB of storage.

Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (right) and Micro 2 (left) status after deployment. — Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (left) and Micro 2 (right) status after deployment.

I analysed the recordings with a fantastic free desktop software called Chirpity. Using the BirdNET model, this software has an auto ID feature which simplifies analysis of sound recordings, particularly for large data sets. Using this software, I was able to identify a wide variety of garden bird calls including Robins, Blue Tits, Tawny Owls and many more. Examples of the dawn chorus from each device can be heard below.

Dawn chorus recording on Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion.

Dawn chorus recording on Song Meter Micro 2.

Spectrogram analysis of dawn chorus in Chirpity

Product Comparison

Both devices are impressive recorders in their own right – they produced clear and extensive recordings that captured a fantastic snapshot of the surrounding soundscape. On paper, the most obvious difference between these two recorders is the price, with the Micro 2 being much more affordable than the Mini 2-Li-Ion (@less than 1/3 of the price).

Furthermore, the Micro 2 is around half the size of the Mini 2-Li-Ion, its compact design is hard not to be impressed by, and it can fit easily into a pocket. Despite its small size, the Micro 2 features an incredible sample rate of 256kHz which allows you to capture good-quality high frequency recordings.

However, what you gain in compactness you lose in battery life. The Micro 2 has an estimated runtime of 280 hours compared to the Mini 2-Li-Ion which has a whopping 1,330-hour run time. The Micro 2 was deployed with a fully charged battery and finished with 76% battery life. Comparatively, the Mini 2-Li-Ion started and finished at 57%, an impressive feat.

Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (right) and Micro 2 (left) — Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (left) and Micro 2 (right)

Another key difference between these recorders lies within environmental noise. These devices were deployed in the run-up to Storm Darragh, and some of the recordings experienced a good deal of wind distortion. Although this is an extreme case, it served to highlight the difference a windshield makes. The Micro 2 has no windshield over the microphone and as a result, experienced markedly more distortion when compared to the shielded Mini 2-Li-Ion. This can be seen in the spectrograms below, which were taken simultaneously. The Mini 2-Li-Ion also has the advantage of a low-noise microphone which, to my ear, produces slightly clearer recordings compared to the Micro 2.

Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (right) and Micro 2 (left) wind distortion — Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (left) and Micro 2 (right) wind distortion

Comparison table of Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (right) and Micro 2 (left) — Comparison table of Song Meter Mini 2 Li-Ion (left) and Micro 2 (right)

Summary

While both recorders allow you to experience the surrounding soundscape in new ways, they each offer distinct functionalities to achieve this goal.

The compact design of the Song Meter Micro 2, along with a recent price drop, makes this recorder a fantastic choice for enthusiasts who want to delve into bioacoustics. It has an excellent sample rate, good battery life and produces crisp recordings that are a joy to listen back to.

In comparison, the Song Meter Mini 2-Li-Ion is perfect for researchers. Its improved battery life makes it an excellent choice for both short and long-term deployments, and the low-noise microphone and windshield are ideal at producing clear recordings for subsequent analysis.

Our Staff Favourites

Welcome to our annual round-up of the books and equipment we have enjoyed reading and using this year, all chosen by members of the NHBS team.

Close Encounters of the Fungal Kind

This book takes you on a mycological odyssey, exploring the vast fungal kingdom through beautiful prose, engaging anecdotes, and fascinating facts. I particularly liked how the chapters are broken up into mushroom-based ecological niches like rotters or parasites, making an overwhelming amount of information easily accessible. An ideal gift for the fungally-inclined people in your life.

– Tom, Technical Advisor

Ocean Bottle

I love the simple design and vibrant colours of this recyclable bottle! Although what really sets the Ocean Bottle apart is its commitment to cleaner oceans – each item sold funds the removal of 1,000 plastic bottles from the marine environment! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to reduce their plastic consumption and help protect our planet.

– Jess, Equipment Purchasing Coordinator

Living on Earth

I was very excited to get my hands on the finale to this ambitious trilogy – and I was not disappointed! This book marks the conclusion to an exploration of intelligence on planet Earth and its origins. It touches on how life shapes, and has been shaped by, its environment and takes readers on an exploration through compelling accounts of intelligence in the natural world – an excellent read, and the perfect finish to this thought-provoking trilogy!

– Poppy, Ecology Content Editor

Viking Cygnus Monocular

If you are looking for a handy monocular then the Viking Cygnus is a great choice. It is easy to fit in my coat pocket so I tend to take it with me much more that I would a heavier pair of binoculars. It is also lightweight and easy to handle – my son had a great time with it in the woods!

– Adam, Marketing and Sales Manager

Wilding

Isabella Tree’s Wilding is a special blend of personal narrative and ecological exploration. Her vivid descriptions and terrific storytelling bring rewilding to life and paints a hopeful picture for the future of ecological recovery in Britain – it has left me with a renewed appreciation for the power of nature and its remarkable ability to heal itself. This illustrated children’s version makes a lovely gift.

– Jo, Marketing Assistant

Bird Photographer of the Year

As a wildlife photographer and cameraman, it’s always been a draw to me to look at the structure and composition of how others “see” their subject. Ansel Adams once said that it is the 12 inches behind the camera that is the most important part of an image making process. While the camera hardware is important, the photographer’s eye is more so. This book shows that that is the case, with amazing studies of birds, their lives, and the beauty of nature. This year’s book is truly inspiring.

– Simon, Books Purchasing Coordinator

Num’axes Bird Feeder

A step-up from the average bird feeder, this innovative product captures high-quality videos and photos of birds and other wildlife in action. It works well in all weather conditions and has been used to capture superb videos around my garden – a must have for any bird enthusiast!

– Mark, Product and Purchasing Manager

Under the Changing Skies

Under Changing Skies is a sweeping, lyrical and illuminating journey through the British countryside as written by some of the countries most celebrated nature writers. This collection of entries for the Guardian’s Country Diary will make a beautiful gift for nature lovers!

– Oli, Designer

Gift in a Tin Range

The Gift in a Tin range has everything you need to create your own wooden models, plus a cool fact sheet to learn more about the animals in the kit. They are a great way to spark children’s interest in nature, while having some creative fun at the same time, and are perfect for an affordable gift, or a treat for yourself!

– Dan, Technical Advisor

Bird Nester Gift Box

This gift box is a fantastic little package for any budding birdwatcher. The nest itself is beautifully designed and is made with recycled saris which adds a unique touch to every nest. Plus, the included bird food is a great way to support local wildlife, especially during the colder months – a great way to bring a bit of nature into your home.

– Elle, Marketing Coordinator

Nature’s Calendar

Inspired by the traditional Japanese calendar, this book takes the reader through 72 seasons in the British Isles. Each season is represented by different natural phenomenon, and the book features themes of folklore, tradition and natural history. It is a great way to learn more about how nature changes throughout the seasons and has allowed me to interact with the world around me in a unique way.

– Sam, Publishing Assistant

StarSense Explorer LT 70AZ Refractor Telescope

StarSense Explorer LT 70AX Refractor Telescope

This telescope is a great choice for budding astronomers! It’s the first telescope that uses a dedicated app to analyse the night sky, which identifies all the constellations and celestial objects visible to the user. It’s perfect for those who are just getting started with astronomy and would make a brilliant gift this Christmas!”

– Adam, Technical Advisor

NEWTCAM Update November 2024

NHBS is working with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) to develop an innovative approach to amphibian monitoring using NEWTCAM, an underwater camera device. In collaboration, we have been refining and testing NEWTCAM to evaluate its potential for biodiversity monitoring. In this update, we share the latest developments in this exciting project.

NEWTCAM Overview

The NEWTCAM is an open underwater tunnel with an integrated camera and lighting system used to automatically capture high resolution images and video of aquatic animals. Specifically developed for Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) surveys, the NEWTCAM works by taking an image of a newt’s underside. These images enable the determination of sex, development stage and individual identification due to the unique spot patterns on each animal. It can be left unattended in the water for several days minimising animal handling, greatly improving survey effort, detection rates, and reducing stress on the animals. The AI-based processing method is classifying images by species and gender (for the four newt species found in the UK), but does not provide population estimates. Individuation (for population estimates) require more AI developments.

a great crested newt captured with newtcam — Great Crested Newt captured with NEWTCAM. Image by the University of Kent

The project has two primary aims: to improve the functionality, durability and versatility of the NEWTCAM and to assess its value as a user-friendly freshwater wildlife monitoring method. These aims will be accomplished through a programme of technological development work at LIST laboratories and the NHBS workshop, followed by field experiments conducted by LIST and early user trials. These experiments will test the reliability and robustness of the NEWTCAM for amphibian monitoring and surveying, the NEWTCAM’s ability to detect multiple species and life stages in various habitats, and whether the data produced is sufficient in producing population estimates.

2024 Update

Since the initial field trials, we have continued to refine the NEWTCAM’s design and outer housing, making improvements ahead of a second round of trials.

During the summer, 24 NEWTCAM units were distributed for field trials across Europe, Asia and America, with one unit in California. These trials have the following objectives:

Test the latest version of the NEWTCAM in diverse environments
Gather user feedback on the NEWTCAM design
Improve knowledge on the scope of species that can be observed

During this time, two NEWTCAM devices were deployed in a pond in Luxembourg from March to September, and have successfully produced a time series of larval, juvenile and adult Great Crested Newts. Additionally, a trial in Kent, UK observed adult Great Crested Newts later in the season.

Additionally, our early users have successfully captured first observations of the Marbled Newt (Triturus marmoratus) and Hong Kong Warty Newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis) with NEWTCAM, and we have observed natural foraging behaviours in Great Crested Newts without human interference.

These initial trials have also highlighted NEWTCAMs potential for monitoring other aquatic species beyond amphibians. Early users have reported observations on a variety of taxa including water beetles and fish, highlighting the potential versatility of the device.

What’s Next?

We will continue to gather user feedback from the ongoing field trials with the first batch of NEWTCAM units to guide further development of the device. Additional field trials will be carried out in the spring of 2025, with the final product planned to enter production by the end of the year.

Newtcam submerged in a pond — Yellow-bellied toad on a NEWTCAM. Image by Pairi Daiza Foundation, Nassonia Project.

Top 5: Acoustic Recorders

Many animal groups use sound to communicate, whether this be for mating and courtship, navigation or general intraspecific communication. These sounds can come in the form of croaks, songs and calls, and are produced by a wide range of animal groups including amphibians, birds, mammals and insects.

Acoustic recorders allow us to listen to these sounds, whether this be for surveying and monitoring, or just for enjoyment. This non-invasive monitoring method allows us to gather data from an environment without disturbing wildlife, and some recorders are designed to be extremely sensitive, enabling users to capture sound from great distances. From these recordings we can identify species, analyse distribution, abundance, ecological community composition and even behaviour and can use the data to inform landscape management.

Acoustic recorders are a valuable piece of kit for ecologists, naturalists or those eager to learn more about the animals in their garden, and we have a fantastic range of recorders to meet these needs. Here we have selected our top five acoustic recorders, highlighting key features of each device.

#262796 Song Meter Micro 2

A popular, cost-effective option, the Song Meter Micro 2 is the smallest recorder in Wildlife Acoustic’s Song Meter range. The simple yet innovative design of this recorder allows for a lightweight and fully weatherproof device with an impressive 240-hour battery life. This recorder also features a built-in microphone, ideal for the detection of frogs, birds and other vocal species.

Recording Format: 16-bit WAV
Recording Bandwidth: 20Hz – 48,000Hz
Recording Channels: One built-in
Maximum sample rate: 96,000 Hz
Memory Storage: 1 microSD card
Battery Type: 4 AA batteries
Weight: 195g with batteries

#255421 Titley Chorus

This all-in-one recorder is designed to suit all acoustic surveying needs. The acoustic microphone is suitable for recording birds, frogs and mammals, and can also be equipped with a second ultrasonic microphone for the detection of bats. It is robust and waterproof (IP67 rating) and can record in mono acoustic, stereo acoustic, dual acoustic or ultrasonic for up to 300 hours.

Frequency Range: 20Hz up to 140kHz
Sampling Rates: 500, 320, 192, 96, 48, 44.1, 32, 22.05 ksps
Audio Output: Frequency division (ultrasonic) and stereo reproduction (acoustic) through headphones
Memory: 1 x SDHC/SDXC memory card (up to 1TB)
Battery Type: 4 AA batteries
Battery Life: Up to 40 nights ultrasonic / 300 hours acoustic
Weight: 435g without batteries

#262798 Song Meter Mini 2 Acoustic Recorder (AA Battery)

A compact and lightweight option, this acoustic recorder provides excellent recording quality while maintaining affordability. Building on the design of the original Song Meter Mini, this recorder features an improved battery life and weatherproof case design. It is suitable for the detection of birds, frogs and other vocal species, and a second microphone can be added for stereo recordings.

Recording Format: 16-bit WAV
Maximum sample rate: 96,000 Hz
Recording Channels: One
Memory Storage: 1 x SDHC/SDXC card
Battery Type: 4x AA or 6x NiMH
Weight: 290g with batteries

#223481 Tascam DR-05X Portable Handheld Recorder

With an easily accessible design, this recorder is straightforward and simple to use. A two second prerecord function and an auto record function ensure that a bird or bat call will never be missed, and the built-in omnidirectional microphones ensure high-quality and high resolution on this handheld recorder.

Recording media: MicroSD card / microSDHC card / microSDXC card
Number of channels: 2 (stereo)
MP3 sampling frequency: 44.1kHz / 48kHz
WAV sampling frequency: 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 96kHz
Power: 2 x AA batteries
Battery operation time: Alkaline: Approx 17.5 hours, Ni-Mh: Approx 15 hours
Weight:165g (with batteries)

#233684 Telinga PRO-X Parabolic Microphone System

This economical package includes a Telinga MK3 microphone, handle and 22” folding dish, ensuring high-quality, focused audio. It is the ideal choice for recording wildlife, even over long distances, and its foldable design makes it easy to transport in field.

Microphone frequency response: 60 – 20,000Hz
Equivalent noise level: 12dB

Recommended Reading:

Sound Identification of Terrestrial Mammals of Britain and Ireland

A groundbreaking volume that analyses sound recordings of all 42 species of Britain’s terrestrial mammals.

The Handbook of Acoustic Bat Detection

An improved update of the German book, this is the go-to practical handbook on how to gather and analyse bat calls.

Material Guide: Woodcrete

Whether you have upcoming new developments or are looking to enhance existing construction projects with wildlife habitat, you may have come across the term ‘woodcrete’, ‘woodstone’, or a variation of the name. This hardy material is commonly used in bird and bat boxes and is often favoured for its longevity and cost-effectiveness. Here we take a closer look at woodcrete, its properties and manufacturing to help you make informed decisions when beginning new construction projects.

What is woodcrete?

Originally patented by Durisol and developed for the construction industry, woodcrete is a building material composed of cement, wood fibres and water. The material is referred to by a number of names, though they are almost identical in composition – woodstone is a trademark registered by Vivara Pro and woodconcrete is the term used by Schwegler, Faunus and Unitura, all suppliers of woodcrete bird and bat habitats.

A swift entering a built-in bird box — A built-in swift box that has been rendered over, leaving just the access point visible.

Woodcrete Properties

A long-lasting, durable material, woodcrete can last for decades. It is weather resistant, does not support fungal growth and unlike wood products, does not rot. It does not leak, warp or crack, making it the ideal long-lasting, secure material for wildlife habitats.

The breathability of the material reduces the risk of issues with condensation, helping to maintain a healthy environment for roosting inhabitants.

It has good insulative properties and creates a stable environment inside the box to shelter inhabitants from extreme temperatures – especially important for maternity boxes where young are resting.

More lightweight than concrete, with great durability and strength, this material is suitable for both built-in and mounted nest boxes. The rough inner surfaces provide texture for bats to cling to, and create a safer, more natural environment for nesting animals. Built-in boxes can also be incorporated into brickwork and can be rendered over to blend into the structure whilst providing habitat benefits for local wildlife.

Shows a series of bat boxes in different stages of installation. the left shows a bat box placed on top of new brickwork, the middle image shows an installed bat box that is flush with the brick and the third shows a bat box that has been rendered over with just the entrance hole visible — Woodcrete bat boxes during installation (left), built-in (middle) and rendered over (right)

Woodcrete Applications

Woodcrete is used as a construction material, as well as a variety of building and garden products, including artificial habitat products to support wildlife. These can include bat boxes, bird boxes, insect hides, bee bricks and hedgehog domes. Most commonly, woodcrete bat and bird boxes are available in built-in forms that are installed directly into the walls during the construction of new developments. These boxes are designed to cater to species subjected to habitat loss resulting from the development project itself, or urbanisation in the general area.

A built-in bat box before installation on the left, and installed on the right with only the entrance point visible. — A rendered built-in bat box

Manufacturing process

The material is made by chipping specially graded recycled waste wood and mineralising the chips to neutralise sugars. The chip is mixed with cement and water to create the woodcrete mixture, before being poured into moulds like regular concrete. These moulds are cured at high temperatures to ensure strength and weather-resistance and can take a considerable amount of time for the full curing process to take place.

The manufacturing of woodcrete products is a lengthy process which can cause longer lead times. We recommended ordering any woodcrete product as far in advance as possible to avoid delays.

If you have any questions about our range or would like some advice on the right product for you then please contact us via email at customer.services@nhbs.com or phone on 01803 865913.

Tag: Equipment