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The Red-shouldered Hawk
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Index
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A familiarity with the breeding hawks and woodpeckers of Ontario is helpful. However, each survey participant will receive a training tape with the vocalizations of all the raptor and woodpecker species that you may see or hear on your survey. This way, you can study the calls before your survey, or identify unknown birds after you’ve completed the survey. Whether a beginner or advanced birder, the survey will be fun and you will be contributing to our knowledge of these birds. What do I need to participate in the survey? Participants must provide their own vehicle, tape/CD player or portable stereo, and binoculars. An assistant is great for company, safety and recording data. A Global Positioning System (GPS) unit or topographic map would be helpful for recording stop locations but are not necessary. The main requirement for the survey is a keen enthusiasm for hawks and woodpeckers. Where can I do the survey in Ontario? The surveys in Ontario range as far north as roughly the 47th parallel (an east-west line running just north of Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and North Bay) and as far south as an approximate line from Cambridge to Kincardine. When is the survey done? The Red-shouldered Hawk and Spring Woodpecker Survey is done on one morning between April 15 and May 7. The survey should start within one hour of sunrise and it generally takes 3 hours to complete a route (not including the time it takes to get from your home to the start of the route). What is expected of me on the morning of the survey? On the morning of the survey, you arrive at your first stop within one half hour of sunrise. At each predetermined stop (20 at 1.0 km intervals) you play the broadcast tape and record any Red-shouldered Hawks that you see or hear. All other raptor and woodpecker species seen or heard (vocalizations or drummings) are also recorded. You do this for each stop, also recording times and odometer readings. Is the survey suitable for children? The surveys are a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about birds and nature, and also spend some fun time with their family or friends. However, keep in mind that the survey will take more than three hours to complete; so young children may lose interest. How do I get a route? If you would like to do a route in your area, please contact Bird Studies Canada and we will select the route for you using a randomized design. The route should pass through forested habitats suitable for Red-shouldered Hawks and woodpeckers. The roads should be permanent so they can be surveyed in future years, and also secondary for safety reasons and reduced noise levels. If we are unable to find you a route, then we will place you on a waiting list until a suitable route becomes available. What are the data used for? The data are primarily used to determine the number and distribution of Red-shouldered Hawks and woodpeckers in the regions where routes exist. The numbers are also compared from year to year to look for fluctuations or long term increases or decreases. We also use the data to determine the habitat requirements of hawks and woodpeckers in Ontario and to investigate the impact of forest management practices. Biologists with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources also make use of the data when developing forest management guidelines. If you would like to download the latest Red-shouldered Hawk and Spring Woodpecker report, please click here. Why does the survey focus on Red-shouldered Hawks? The Red-shouldered Hawk is a forest dwelling raptor. Prior to the deforestation of much of eastern North America and persecution by humans, the Red-shouldered was one of the most common hawk species. At present, its numbers are very low and it is considered a species of ‘Special Concern’ in Canada. The Wildlife Assessment Program, of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, chose the Red-shouldered Hawk as a key indicator species. By monitoring the Red-shouldered Hawk population, we can also monitor the health of Ontario’s forests. The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium sized hawk, and is very beautiful, with a red wash throughout the chest and wings, and a black and white barred tail. Its distinctive call is loud and piercing. Which woodpecker species does the survey focus on? The two target species for the survey are the Pileated Woodpecker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. These two species require relatively mature forest for breeding and therefore may be vulnerable to population declines caused by loss or degradation of habitat. There are nine species of woodpeckers in Ontario, and all are of interest to the survey. They are: Northern Flicker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Hairy, Downy, Pileated, Black-backed, Three-toed, Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. These nine species of woodpeckers vary greatly in size, colouration, habitat and range. Size varies from the diminutive Downy Woodpecker, at only 17 cm (6.75 in) long, to the crow-sized Pileated Woodpecker, at 42 cm (16.5 in) in length. Colouration varies from the striped black and white of the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, to the Red and Yellow dots and streaks of the Northern Flicker and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Habitats range from suburban habitats (Northern Flicker) to remote northern forests (Three-toed Woodpecker). The Red-bellied Woodpecker is only found in the Carolinian zone of extreme southern Ontario, while many of the other species can be found as far north as the tree line along Hudson Bay (even in winter!). Will I definitely see hawks and woodpeckers? There are no guarantees, but it is a very good possibility. The Red-shouldered Hawk can react quite strongly to the tapes and fly in for a better look at the ‘intruder’. Woodpeckers will often fly across the road or feed near the roadside allowing good looks, or you may be able to ‘zero in’ on one from the sound of it pecking on a tree. Will this survey disturb the hawks and woodpeckers? Any survey that involves playback of bird calls can potentially disturb the birds. In this case, the hawks may investigate the calls or respond vocally, but this is not particularly stressful on the birds as defending their territory is a normal part of their breeding behaviour. Also, the survey is only done once for an entire breeding season to minimize potential disturbance. To minimize disturbance, please be sure to use the tapes only for the survey. How far do I have to drive to get to my route? This is totally up to you. Keep in mind that the further your route is from home, the earlier you will have to leave to get there within one hour of sunrise (so stay close to home if you’re not an early riser!). Some people use their routes as a perfect excuse for a short vacation. Others do their routes close to their cottage or near a friend’s place so they can stop by to visit. What are the costs for doing the survey? The survey is free of charge, however, each surveyor will incur some costs (for example, purchasing batteries for the portable stereo, gas for your vehicle). Upon request, Bird Studies Canada will be happy to provide a tax receipt for these expenses that can be used for income tax purposes. Can I become a member of Bird Studies Canada if I do the survey? Many people that participate in the Red-shouldered Hawk Survey are also members of Bird Studies Canada. For a small annual fee of $35, BSC members receive four issues of our Bird Watch Canada publication, and can participate in as many surveys as they like, free of charge (Marsh Monitoring Program, Nocturnal Owl Survey, Christmas Bird Count, etc.). If you would like to become a member you may join online here or, please give us a call (1-888-448-BIRD) or send us an email generalinfo@bsc-eoc.org
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