UG call: join us in researching bird behaviour

The University of Groningen (UG) is looking for fifty bird lovers in the provinces of Groningen and Friesland (excluding the islands) to participate in research into bird behavior during the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026. Participants will receive a weatherproof box that listens to bird sounds and automatically detects the species.

Solar eclipse

On 12 August this year, there will be an almost total solar eclipse in the Netherlands. The sun will disappear by 90%. UG researchers are curious about the changing behavior of birds during a solar eclipse. Currently, there is mainly anecdotal evidence, such as birds retreating into trees during previous solar eclipses. Biologists from the University of Groningen themselves have previously studied the behavior of squirrels during a solar eclipse (1999), but did not observe any change in behavior at that time.

Suitable participants

For the study, the researchers are looking for birdwatchers who do not have permanent lighting or street lighting in the immediate vicinity. In addition, there must be Wi-Fi and power at the measurement location. In collaboration with the municipality of Het Hogeland, twenty measuring points will be set up there. The intended locations in this municipality coincide with places where light reduction will take place in the future.

More information and registration

Would you like to know more or register as a participant? Please contact Theo Jurriens: t.a.jurriens rug.nl. Participants will be informed in more detail at the beginning of March. 

This measurement campaign is an initiative of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen. The purchase of the measuring boxes was made possible in part by the Royal Netherlands Physical Society and the Municipality of Het Hogeland.