SPÄHIKEL - High-tech Nature Researcher

Birds Explore with the Spähikel – Discovering the Soundscapes of the Forest
In the castle park of Schloss Eckartsau, we embark on an acoustic treasure hunt with the Spähikel. Together, we explore which birds are laughing at us in the forest, why we sometimes hear loud knocking, and whether birds can actually honk. Using directional microphones, we record their songs and make them visible and comparable on the computer.
The Spähikel – our nature observation vehicle and mobile research lab – is equipped with modern technology that helps us distinguish bird calls with the aid of artificial intelligence. As we wander through the park, we experience the bird world up close and learn about their habitats, behaviors, and unique traits.
Participants become researchers themselves: with spotting scopes and smartphones, we photograph birds from close range, and with VR glasses, we fly over the landscape from a bird's perspective.
This program combines nature observation, technology, and a spirit of discovery – ideal for anyone curious about the world of birds.