Acoustic Recording Units (ARU's) are non-intrusive recording units with omni-directional microphones, able to record bird calls in a variety of landscapes. These devices can perform stereo recordings during anytime of the day over extended periods, offering remarkable flexibility. Their non-intrusive design eliminates the need for human presence during recordings, minimizing disruption to birds, especially during crucial breeding seasons. The capability to schedule recordings during peak singing hours enhances the precision of these avian surveys. 

For SAWIG, these units allow staff to collect bird call data without human disturbance and easily filter the data through a program called Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope automatically identifies bird songs collected, as well as frog calls and bat echolocations in wildlife audio recordings. This program groups recordings into clusters to allow for easy identification and storage of data.

Bird Point Count Surveys are a widely used method for assessing bird populations and biodiversity. This process involves selecting predetermined survey locations within a habitat of interest. Trained observers then visit these locations during the breeding season, typically during the early morning when bird activity is high. The observers remain stationary for a set period, often 5-10 minutes, and record all bird species seen or heard within a specified radius, usually 100 meters. The surveys are often conducted along established transects, and multiple visits are made to each location to account for variations in bird activity and ensure a more comprehensive dataset. Observers use both visual cues and bird calls to identify species.

SAWIG achieves reliable bird data by combining acoustic recording units (ARUs) for continuous monitoring with point count surveys for visual identification, ensuring comprehensive and effective biodiversity assessment within our watershed area.