This spring, bird singing, even in large cities, is heard more than ever, thanks to the multiple reduction due to anti-coronavirus measures of transport and industrial noise, as stated by engineering consultancy firm 24 Acoustics.
It said that sound recordings revealed remarkable changes.
Their “intelligent noise monitoring” systems are designed to record sounds emanating from construction sites, wind turbines, industrial plants and aircraft. According to the monitoring data, over the past few weeks, bird trills that previously drowned in the garbage of technogenic sounds have become clearly audible.
'The environmental benefits of the lockdown in terms of reduced air pollution and cleaner waters have already been documented,' 24 Acoustics' director, Reuben Peckham, told.
'However, it is impossible for most to also fail to notice how much quieter it is out there,' the director of the Southampton-based firm added.
'A reduction in traffic volume of 90 per cent would lead to a 10-decibel reduction in noise level, which is highly significant — roughly a perceived halving in subjective loudness.'
'Because ambient noise levels are significantly lower birdsong is more audible and noticeable and is a very pleasant side-effect of the current lockdown.'
National Trust bird expert Pete Brash told inews.co.uk that «this spring could be the best time ever to listen to birdsong».
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