Review: Bat Call Identification Software (BCID) Part 2 Of 2

Bat Call Identification Software Review (BCID) Part 2 Of 2

During my most recent, extensive testing, I've found BCID software to be very accurate when identifying (predicting) bats down to species. It provides a neat / uncluttered result file (.xls format) along with the relevant accuracy (estimate) data. Which is to say, how "sure" BCID is, as to the ID of the bat species.

The software installs easily, directly after downloading. BCID software has no problems handling files/recordings from all major bat detector manufacturers.
BCID was designed to handle large sets of data; and is capable of analyzing approximately 2,600 call files per minute. 

By default, BCID automatically analyzes all of the zero-cross recordings contained in the user specified file folder.

It is compatible with both zero-crossing and full-spectrum recordings of bat sounds. Selecting your detecting location, under the Species tab, is straightforward. Two states are shown, in my example screenshots below:

 

New York

South Carolina

The User Manual for this software program, is accessible from withing the software itself. By clicking the 'Help' tab; the 7th (and last) tab on the right hand side of the main screen.
Clicking the 'View Manual' button brings up the latest User Manual (Ver 2.8a, 4-29-19). It is produced in a very well laid out, and easy to read format.

Points of interest in the BCID User's Manual are:

• Pages 4 -to- 18 clearly describe the functions of each of the program's main tabs.

• Page 19 and 20 provide tables of accuracy rates (examples). Demonstrating the program's ability to accurately discriminate between bat species.
• Pages 21 and 22 cover troubleshooting, suggestions, and the process for reporting any bugs a user might encounter.

I should add, that during my extensive test period, I did not encounter any bugs.

Pros 

• Has a very easy to use, simple interface.
• Uncluttered, clearly readable results report.
• Printing results/reports is 2 clicks away.

Cons

• More expensive than it's closest competitor (Kaleidoscope).
• Customization of ID sensitivity, settings, etc. not as easy as K-Scope.

BCID Software may be ordered directly from The Bat Call Identification Website.

It's very refreshing to use a bat call ID software as uncluttered and easy to use, as BCID. I enjoy printing out the results/report files listing the bat species recorded.

There are still many Professionals, Ecology Firms, and Organizations who prefer to use zero-crossing recordings for their bat surveys, and sometimes even research. In situations where ZC format is the predominant method of recording, BCID software should be given very serious consideration.

Since I am also in the process of reviewing new bat detecting instruments; chief among them being The AnaBat Scout from Titley, as well as optional microphones (designed for The AnaBat Swift) I expect to be adding some more info to this part of The BCID software review.

Until then,

Happy bat detecting! 

A Recent Arrival! The AnaBat Scout Bat Detector From Titley Scientific!

I'm pleased to report the recent arrival of the latest (new) bat detector offered by Titley Scientific - The AnaBat Scout!

I'm happy to report, that it arrived here (from Australia) several days ago. And made it here (to NorthEastern U.S.) in time to record some bats!

The AnaBat Scout arrived well packaged & protected from Titley Scientific

There were bats recorded as late as October 30th (none on the 31st, I'm sorry to say). This is great news for the upcoming testing and review.
For now, I can say that it is a charming bat detector, with many nice features which Pros will enjoy! Bat calls (in Heterodyne output mode) sound great! Volume for audio output goes from 0-25. I found it to be quite pleasing at a setting of ~18 for unattended recording (near an open door or window).

Having a quick look around with The AnaBat Scout bat detector from Titley

Bat detecting is on-going, and as always, I will hold out hope on any nights of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. I'm also excited about two additional microphones, received for testing, from Titley Scientific. These are for The AnaBat Swift (recently reviewed here). I will probably need to resort to artificial/electronic bat calls for testing; more on those later.

In the short video clip below, we see The AnaBat Scout in action - As it first senses (and begins recording) a bat call, the recording activity indicator may be seen illuminating. A round indicator, in the lower center of the display. You can also hear the (heterodyne) sound produced as the bat flies by. 
This happened to be one of my "resident" Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus); and it was flying fairly close.

The AnaBat Scout recording a backyard bat on October 28th

(upstate New York)

In addition, on October 30th, The AnaBat Scout got a great recording of a bat, from a distance of approximately 35 meters. It was at 7:20 PM (19:20), sunset was at 5:52 PM, temperature was 59 Deg. Fahrenheit, humidity of 99%, with wind from SSE at 6 MPH.
 
Part 2 of 2 of The BCID software is also in progress...

Happy bat detecting!

BCID Software Version 2.8B Review (2019) Part 1 Of 2

BCID Version 2.8B Review (2019) Part 1 of 2

BCID stands for Bat Call Identification; it is Professional-level software for the automatic analysis and identification of bat species, via recorded audio.

BCID is currently used by several agencies, Ecologists, Professional Bat Workers, and Researchers; to facilitate identification of recorded bat sounds.

I'd written a review of this formidable bat call identification software once before, back in February 2013. And thought it would be a good time to re-visit this application, and write an updated overview for 2019.

BCID has the distinct accolade of being one (of only two) software applications endorsed by  The U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service. More specifically, it is approved by The USFWS for conducting surveys, for the following bat species: 

The Indiana Bat (Myotis Sodalis) - USFWS Link
The Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis Septentrionalis) - USFWS Link

The other software, is Kaleidoscope from Wildlife Acoustics.

At the time of this writing, BCID is available in two versions:

• BCID Eastern USA (which is the specific version being reviewed here)
• BCID Canada 
• And a soon-to-be-released BCID United Kingdom

A cursory look at BCID software, for someone who hasn't seen it before, reveals a rather simple-looking (GUI) interface:

Clicking on the BCID Eastern USA link (just above this screenshot), will take you to The BCID Web page, which features (scroll-able) example screens of the application.

To see a list of species which BCID currently covers, and to confirm price ($1479 US Dollars at this time) for 2 Seats / 2 computers, you may click Here.

BCID Software has been continually improved in the years following it's initial release, in 2007. Some of the very latest updates, may be seen Here.
It is a Windows-based software (32 and 64 Bit), which allows a user to quickly and accurately analyze large numbers of bat calls.
The user interface is simple but effective, and very easy to use. The current version of BCID is Version 2.8b.

BCID software should be given serious consideration, by anyone in need of a robust, easy-to-use, and accurate bat call identification software.
It is particularly well-suited to Ecologists, Bat Workers, Researchers, and anyone wishing to have bat calls identified.

The easiest way to use this software, is by starting with ZC recorded bat calls. However, as you'll see, .wav files are almost just as easy to process:

• From the default screen, click the 'Add Folders to Project' button, on the lower left-hand-side.
• Drill down to the location of the (ZC) file folder containing your recordings.

In this screenshot/example, the location happens to be 'BCIDConversions' folder.*

• Click the Species tab, and select your Country, and State. Your local bat species will be displayed. The (already checked) names of the bat species, are also un-checkable; if you have the need to omit a species from being identified.
• Click the Project tab, in order to make the original bottom tabs visible again.
• Click on the Identify Calls tab (lower center of screen).
• After (typically) a few seconds, the interface will look like this:

...Identification process complete.

• When using the default settings, several report files are created. As seen in the screenshot below:

Assorted files created by BCID (by default) include .anl (AnaLook), .xls (MS Excel), and .txt (text) files (A different folder was used in this example).

• As evidenced in the screen capture above, when accepting the default software selections, various files are created. As well as the individual bat recordings being converted to .ZC. In my particular case, the .zc files have automatically associated themselves with Kaleidoscope software; which happens to reside on my laptop as well.
• In general, I've always found BCID software to be fast, accurate, and very convenient to use. There is certainly no steep learning curve here!

*Note: The BCIDConversions folder is automatically created when using BCID's WavToZero feature. And the files chosen for conversion are converted to ZC, and deposited there.  

If you recorded your bat calls in Full Spectrum mode, BCID software has a convenient 'WavToZero' feature. It's a permanently available Tab; 5th one from the left-hand-side of the interface. As the name implies, it allows you to select multiple files (not folders, but multiple individual files) for quick conversion - From .wav files to Zero Cross files.

As seen in the screenshot below, the report files which BCID creates, are in .xls format. I have always found this to be a very welcomed feature; especially because printing the file is so seamless.

For this particular example, I intentionally selected a group of recordings with very little bat activity. For the sake of clarity. Future screenshots, in Part 2 of this review, will illustrate much heavier call volume. Which for many of my readers, is a more common occurrence. 

The output (.xls) files which BCID creates, that is to say, it's report/listing of bat species detected, has always been one of my favorite features.

Very convenient! Looking forward to completing Part 2 of this review.
Stay tuned...

Happy bat detecting!

Just Ordered A New Bat Detector! - The AudioMoth by Open Acoustic Devices

Just finished placing my order for an AudioMoth - Rather excited to see how it performs!

I suppose it was just a matter of time, before I would actually go ahead and order one. See Links below for more information -

GroupGets Page for AudioMoth.

Open Acoustics Devices' page.

A selection of Great Links regarding Open Acoustic Devices' AudioMoth (Press).
Hopefully, my (upcoming) full review of it, will be among them soon!

Here's something very exciting, which I just came across:

Pettersson Elektronik has announced a brand new detector! It's a USB Ultrasound Microphone; and it comes in two versions (256kHz or 384kHz sample rate). You can have a look at them here. They are accepting pre-orders now.

There's a YouTube video as well:

 

Hopefully, I'll get an opportunity to review one here soon?

BCID Software review is in progress... Updates, and etc., will be posted here on or before October 7th. 

I'm happy to report, that I will (finally!) be able to attend some seminars, conferences, and training courses! I look forward to any upcoming opportunities to attend, and report about the experience(s) here on the blog!

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The AnaBat Walkabout Bat Detector Part 2 Of 2

Review Of The AnaBat Walkabout Bat Detector - Part 2 Of 2

The AnaBat Walkabout bat detector from Titley Scientific, is a high-quality bat detecting/recording device, with an abundance of features.

One of the reasons for this, is The Walkabout is built upon an Android tablet. Not an off-the-shelf / consumer tablet, but one specifically designed (from scratch) to be The AnaBat Walkabout. Being built upon such a versatile foundation has it's advantages.

One of the things which I admire about The AnaBat Walkabout, is how robust it is. It is very reliable. Not prone to crashing, or freezing-up, the way a low-cost tablet might.

An excellent guide to the features, buttons, and ports of The AnaBat Walkabout (Thanks to NHBS)

    

During the testing of The AnaBat WalkAbout, I left the microphone's sensitivity at the default setting (as from the factory). 
If (you are fortunate enough) to have bats flying low, or close to you: You may want to change the sensitivity, to a lower setting. If not, you are likely to end up with spectrograms containing prominent harmonics - As seen in my example below:

A (partial) screenshot, of a bat recorded with The Walkabout. As viewed with AnaBat Insight software.

As a continuation from Part 1 of this review, here are some additional specific features which I particularly like:

• All of the methods available for bat detection: Listening to the audio of bat calls, which are - FD, Het, FS, TE.
• The recording methods available: Zero-Cross, Full Spectrum, and a combination of both (simultaneously).
• Being able to select a frequency range as low as 5kHz - Enables me to target and record many species of Orthoptera (singing insects).
• Additional (2.5mm) jack for use with external (Ultrasonic) Mics.

If you enjoy tinkering with electronics - especially, DIY Ultrasound Mics (as I do), then you may find the last bullet point above particularly interesting. 
I will inform you, that all of my early attempts/tests, with DIY microphones, were unsuccessful. This need not deter the reader from carrying out their own experiments.

I eventually came to the conclusion, that it would be best to stick to purchasing the official Titley microphone adapter and Mic, if there is a need.

In my case, having wasted so much time trying to build a working Mic, only bolstered my appreciation of the quality recordings captured with The Walkabout's built-in (Knowles) microphone. As is, The Walkabout is able to pick up bats at respectable distances; and produce excellent spectrograms while doing so.

Here is the optional Microphone Adapter, made for The AnaBat Walkabout from Titley:

Link to Titley's page on it Here.

The Walkabout's battery life is stated as being 8-12 hours (in The User Manual). This matches my experience while testing as well. 
I plugged The Walkabout into the mains, with a completely flat battery, at 7 PM - And it was fully charged at 12 AM. This was early-on in the testing phase (first week of use). Actual discharge/charge times may vary (most likely, improve) with regular use (since it is a rechargeable, Lithium ion battery).

Zooming-in on the (combo) FS/ZC displayed in Insight software

What's it like, getting and using The AnaBat Walkabout? 
Allow me to make (another) analogy - Back when I was into the keeping of Mini-Reef aquariums. Something which was a lot of fun, was buying a piece of Live Rock... After situating it in the tank, and as the days went by: I would discover several fascinating & colourful creatures inhabiting the nooks & crannies of the piece of rock. And it was like little unexpected bonuses!
Well, it's a bit similar to using The Anabat Walkabout, as you:
Read the manual, and start using it - You begin to discover all these neat little features; which you didn't realize were there. 

A great example of this, is when I discovered 'Basic Mode' (shown below). It is a completely different looking interface (listening in heterodyne mode) while recording. With several neat features: Live Temperature, Lux, and Humidity sensor readouts, as well as an electronic compass! 

In summary, I'd place The AnaBat Walkabout in the same class as other "Alpha" bat detectors; such as: 

• The D240X from Pettersson
• The AnaBat SD2
• The Batlogger M from Elekon

If you were considering one of these, you would be remiss not to include The AnaBat Walkabout on your list of potential prospects. 
In fact, depending on which specific abilities, and features you need or want - You'll probably find that you prefer The AnaBat Walkabout to the others.
There's no denying that The AnaBat Walkabout has many more features than those listed above. 
 
The Walkabout is very easy to use:

• Press Power on button, for 2.5" - AnaBat insignia comes up as a splash screen.
• Check your Audio and Recording method preferences. 
• Tap the Microphone icon, to turn on the Mic (icons turn yellow to indicate "On" status.)
• Select Auto or Manual recording...
• And you are detecting/recording bats!

I have found The AnaBat Walkabout to consistently produce accurate, and detailed recordings of bat calls. Which in turn, facilitates production of excellent spectrograms.

Note that you may use/analyze bat recordings made with Tiley detectors on bat call identification software (such as BCID or Kaleidoscope). I've had no issues doing so. But, you cannot view bat recordings made with other manufacturer's  detectors in the free version of AnaBat Insight - You may view recordings from any detector when using the paid (full) version of the software.

Here are some links to the additional (optional) accessories, offered by Titley for The AnaBat Walkabout:

Screen Protector

Silicone Case

USB Power Bank
  
Microphone Adapter

The next bat detector to be tested and reviewed will be The (brand-new!) AnaBat Scout from Titley Scientific. It's always exciting to test and review a brand-new bat detector; and I'm really looking forward to it! 

 

Until then...

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The AnaBat Walkabout Bat Detector Part 1 Of 2

Review Of The AnaBat Walkabout Bat Detector - Part 1 Of 2

The AnaBat Walkabout is a feature-rich, professional bat detector from Titley Scientific. 
The Walkabout has been designed and built from the ground up by Titley, to be a very versatile bat detecting device. As a top-of-the-range bat detector, it possesses an abundance of features. It just so happens, that it also functions as a complete Android tablet as well.

The AnaBat Walkabout configuration screen

The AnaBat Walkabout arrives in a well packaged box, with a good amount of protection:

Some accessories included as standard

The Walkabout, in it's molded plastic tray

See photos above, to have a look at the accessories included as standard. Including wall plug adapters, allowing you a convenient way to switch from US wall plug to European or UK wall plugs. This bat detector/recorder, is intended for active bat detecting. But, during my test period, I've used it many times as a passive bat recorder, where it has performed admirably. A suitable windowsill is the only prerequisite, one with a screen installed is preferred!

For a quick overview of The AnaBat Walkabout, have a look at this video made by Titley Scientific. 
And you can get an excellent overview of this bat detector's features, by visiting Titley Scientific's page on it Here.

As for The AnaBat Walkabout's User Manual, quick, illustrated, looks at button functions and screen features, may be seen on pages: 8, 13, 14, 29, 37.

Here are some other pages which I found particularly interesting; and helpful in understanding what The Walkabout can do:

• Features Of The AnaBat Walkabout   Page 7
• AnaBat Walkabout Basic Operation   Page 11
• Scroll Wheel And Quick Menu Settings   Page 15
• Audio Settings   Page 20
• Audio Feedback Reduction, Dynamic Range Compression   Page 25
• Sleep And Screen Off Mode   Page 27

There is much more to see and read, of course.

Essentially, The AnaBat Walkabout itself, is a very versatile bat detector. You can listen to, record, and view bat calls in a myriad of different ways (and in many combinations). It's like The Swiss Army knife of bat detectors.

By now, most have seen an advertisement or two featuring Titley's Walkabout. At first glance, most would (naturally) make a few assumptions: 

• It has a large (5") colourful display with live spectrograms.

• It appears to be comfortable to use in the field (one-handed operation). 

• It's made by Titley Scientific, so being a good quality instrument is a foregone conclusion.
  

 
However, after testing it nightly since it's arrival, this device seems to be quite a bit more than that. So much so, that I'd feel more comfortable referring to it as a system (rather than just a bat detector).

It's more like a portable, easy-to-use, bat recording lab. With the added advantage of being a fully-functioning Android tablet as well! 
The built-in GPS tracking works wonderfully, and gives the user two screens to choose from:

• A half sonogram / half GPS display.
• A full GPS/Map display.

 

Half sonogram / Half GPS display option

Full GPS display option

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's very accurate and excellent for both walking and driving transects. 

AnaBat Walkabout in Android tablet mode

Here are some of the specific features which I particularly like:

• A choice between Heterodyne, or Auto-Heterodyne audio output. There are several other monitoring choices to choose from (but I find these two most pleasing).

• Built-in GPS.

• Wi-Fi.

• Selectable frequency range of 5-200kHz (useful for recording Orthoptera).

• 16 bit resolution, and a 500kHz sample rate.

• Temperature, Lux, and humidity sensors.

In regards to this last bullet point, the ability to record temperature, humidity, and Lux (ambient light levels) is important to professionals (and even some amateurs/hobbyists). 
Obviously, when recording bats (and documenting their behaviour, etc.) this data is very useful. It helps us to learn more about the habitats, habits, and behaviors of bats. And how these external conditions influence and affect their activities.
Even as a hobbyist first starting out, I made a habit of recording temperature, documenting other weather conditions, and wind speed. 
Many years ago, it was fun to see if I could disprove / dispel the beliefs that bats won't fly: Below certain temperatures, certain amounts of wind, and/or rain.

AnaBat Walkabout in 'Basic Mode' - (GPS coordinates blocked for privacy).

 

For those considering The AnaBat Walkabout, I'd like to point out something which became obvious to me during the test period. The recordings made by The Walkabout, are: High-quality, high resolution (up to 500kHz sample rate) recordings, which any Professional (Ecologists, Bat Workers, et al) would be pleased to work with. Due in large part, to the detailed spectrograms produced. 

The unit itself weighs 14.6 ounces (415 grams), and measures 7.1 x 3.9 x 1.1 inches (180 x 100 x 28mm). 
Generally speaking, it is among the heavier bat detectors I've reviewed. However, the included hand strap does make it much more comfortable, and easy to hold for extended periods. I've only found it to be slightly uncomfortable after using it in the field for several consecutive hours.  
In summary: During longer bat detecting sessions (4-5 hours), you may find it just a little tiring. There will obviously be some variation from individual to individual.

AnaBat Walkabout's Full-Spectrum mode is another favorite of mine

I feel that any added heft, serves as a reminder that what you're holding isn't a toy. It's a high-end (Pro-level) bat recorder, and should be treated as such (with care!). Even though The Walkabout is very well-built, robust, and not easily damaged - being very careful is a habit of mine.

Most places, including Titley, have The AnaBat Walkabout on sale for $1,595 - Or £1,599.00 if you were to order from NHBS or Wildlife & Countryside Services

The AnaBat Walkabout is designed in a very sturdy plastic housing (in what one might call "Signature Titley yellow"), with a removable dark gray Directional Cone. When attached, it provides directional characteristics to the front-facing, built in (Knowles) microphone. 
The gray Directional Cone also provides an excellent level of protection to the Mic element. This is achieved simply by having the Mic element effectively recessed. I'm very pleased to see this! I feel that some (high-end) bat detectors have their Mics too exposed/unprotected, sometimes simply protruding.

The nice thing about The Walkabout, is that it can be used with it's default settings (out-of-the-box) in situations where:

• You would like to get started quickly.

• You are using it for some general bat detecting. 

• You are a hobbyist or don't have a lot of experience.

And can also be used in situations where all of the advanced features can be brought to bear:

• During transects, surveys, and other professional endeavors.

• You would like to make full-spectrum, high resolution (500kHz) recordings.

• You would like to get close (zoomed-in) looks at the live spectrograms in the field (to help with immediate ID (if one is sufficiently skilled).

• You would like to view spectrograms in zero-cross, and/or full-spectrum mode.

To summarize, you can use this detector in a quick & easy manner, utilizing the default settings -Or- You can familiarize yourself with it's myriad of features, and fully customize the way it records, as well as the information displayed as it does so.

AnaBat Walkabout in Zero Crossing mode

The AnaBat Walkabout would be well-suited for both amateur and professional users. Amateurs and hobbyists will enjoy things like: It's ease of use, impressive appearance, and included standard accessories. As well as optional accessories.

Professionals will appreciate things like: Performance, sensitivity, and the myriad of customization available (in both the recording & display choices/features). There are several, which I plan to cover more in Part 2 of this review.
It would be well-suited for professionals / researchers who have already decided on Anabat Insight as their software platform of choice for analyzing bat calls.

I found The Walkabout to be very sensitive, and accurate in what it detects. The ability to trim it's frequency response will be a very welcomed feature; especially for professionals.

Pros:

• Many types of audio settings to choose from (Heterodyne, Auto-Heterodyne, Frequency Division, Full Spectrum, Time Expansion).

• Live spectrograms: Several types and combinations of displays to choose from (Heterodyne; Zero-Crossing and/or Full Spectrum).

• Built upon a fully-functioning, Android tablet (WiFi, etc.)

• Built-in, rechargeable, 7000mAh Lithium Ion battery.

• AnaBat Insight bat call analysis software is free.

• Operating system (and more importantly), the Walkabout system itself, may gain additional features, etc., through dynamic software/firmware updates.

Cons:

•  May be considered expensive. 

 

 

Much more to follow, in Part 2 Of 2 of this AnaBat Walkabout bat detector review. 

 

 

 

Until then, 

Happy bat detecting!