Polish researchers launch birdwatching and stork photography studies

Researchers from the Poznań University of Life Sciences and the University of Szczecin are conducting studies involving birdwatching habits and wildlife photography. One study, published in the journal PeerJ, examines whether birdwatchers' biological chronotypes—categorized as “owls” (night owls) or “larks” (early risers)—influence the types of birds they prefer to observe.

In a separate initiative called the StorkLens Survey, scientists are using cameras mounted on stork transmitters to capture images during migration. The project, involving the University of Szczecin and the SILESIANA Group, utilizes citizen science by inviting the public to evaluate the artistic value of these unique photographs. Researchers note that aesthetic preferences can impact conservation efforts, as photogenic species often receive more social attention and public interest.