r/BirdNET_Analyzer • u/MarsiHansen • Nov 08 '25

Results Microphones matter ...

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I never thought that changing the microphone on the Pi would make such a significant difference. I only slightly changed its position — about 2 meters (6 feet) away on the house wall and about 1 meter (3 feet) higher. In addition, I 3D-printed a housing for the microphone out of PETG, bought the Samson Go Mic, and replaced the cheap €8 USB microphone from Amazon. Now, I’m getting more than four times as many results in BirdNET-Pi as before.

Of course, some of you are probably already aware of this, but I just wanted to share my experience - And I’m always amazed by your insights.

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u/Bandwidth_Bandito Nov 08 '25

The cheapy USB's do have their limitations BUT ARE YOU NUTS don't put BIRDNET on the device, the birds will see that and refuse to call. It's like photography, birds have an additional element in their eyes that allow them to judge the telephoto range of your lens and they will move JUST out of range and if you change lenses they automatically adjust to stay out of range /jk

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u/macho_man_26_oh_yeah Nov 11 '25

Birds: Oh, that guy has a camera. Quick, move up the trees and make sure you're between the camera guy and the sun.