Bird Step Sequencer (WN0040)

Love this one. In Kathy Hind's words:

By observing the resting of birds on telegraph lines, it was soon obvious how much the lines resembled a music score or piano roll. Thus, a computer-vision program was developed in order to scan a video of the birds behaviour to translate it into music, by triggering audio samples of a music box and a prepared piano in the same fashion as a modern step-sequencer.

Going along to see her talk about sound maps in London next month.

Zebra finches and a Les Paul (WN0029)

Came across this gem of an artistic idea today via The Guardian - an art installation with zebra finches alighting on the fretboard of a pugged-in, switched-on Les Paul. Delicately natural grunge. The installation was assembled by French sonic artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot. It's currently being shown at London's Barbican.

As the gallery says:

As the birds go about their routine activities, perching on or feeding from the various pieces of equipment, they create a random and captivating soundscape.

I'm unlikely to be able to make it along there myself, but the above video gives a delightful flavour of the experience. And yes, The Guardian has already used the 'rock chick' gag...