COWRIE is pleased to anounce the release of the above report prepared by HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd. 

Following from an initial investigation into the use of High Definition HD video for aerial waterbird survey undertaken in August 2007, this paper presents the findings of a full scale trial of the technique.  

The trial was carried out at the Shell Flats area off Blackpool, and aimed to satisfy five objectives. The outcome of the trial was assessed against its objectives as follows: 

 

• Demonstrate the ability of the technique to reliably survey the more sensitive species of waterbird, such as common scoter or red throated diver 

• Compare the output of the technique with data from other surveys to provide insight into the performance of the technique 

• To undertake a trial on a statistically significant scale, to demonstrate the consistency of the technique and the usefulness of the data 

• Demonstrate the feasibility of an aeroplane rather than a helicopter as the survey vehicle 

• To test the technical refinements proposed as a result of the first trial 

The report can be downloaded here