We are all acutely aware that nature is changing rapidly due to human activities. Research on wild birds has been critically important in helping us understand and address these changes. How important are bird collections to this type of research? If they are useful, what’s stopping us making more use of them? In this talk Ken will discuss the research questions that bird collections can help us answer. He will go onto discuss what’s preventing us from making better use of collections and the data embedded in them. The art of the possible is being transformed by new tools and technologies, and he will focus in particular on the role artificial intelligence is playing in helping us unlock the data in collections. Ken hopes that his talk will persuade you bird collections are a critical research resource rather than the hoarding problem they are sometimes assumed to be!

Meet up time is 10am at the main car park (free for RSPB members, otherwise £4.00 daily charge) SP194982 Follow signs from A4091 along Bodymore Heath Rd. and then unnamed road past the Aston Villa FC training ground Expect wintering wildfowl and finches, plus some returning waders Contact: outings@oos.org.uk Additional info: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/middleton-lakes