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Christmas Bird Counts | |||||||||||||
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Bird Studies Canada National Audubon Society Project name: Christmas Bird Counts Goals : The primary objective of the Christmas Bird Count is to monitor the status and distribution of bird populations across the Western Hemisphere. The count period, which is from December 14th to January 5th, in North America is referred to as "early winter," because many birds at this time are still in the late stages of their southward migration, so it is not "true" winter. When we combine these data with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, we begin to see a clearer picture of how the continent's bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years. The information is also vital for conservation. For example, local trends in bird populations can indicate habitat fragmentation or signal an immediate environmental threat, such as groundwater contamination or poisoning from improper use of pesticides. Status : Active Year started : 1900 Years (comments) : ongoing Season(s) and frequency : one day between December 14 through January 5 inclusively Frequency : Annually Geographic area covered : Canada, United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean Islands and Pacific Islands. Type(s) of habitat : All Primary species covered : All birds, but coverage probably best for landbirds and waterbirds (few counts of pelagic species) Sampling Design : Volunteers follow specified routes on foot, by car, bicycle, boat, snowmobile, and by observing feeders within a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle. All birds seen or heard are counted from dawn to dusk on one day of the year between 14th December and 5th January. Optional nocturnal census conducted in some areas. Field methods : Circular plot census Data format : Available at National Audubon Society web site; small downloads available through web site, larger inquiries available on request on case by case basis. Sample size : c. 2,000 circles, 55,000 observers. Almost all circles in North America; c.70 in other countries number increasing annually. Results : Summary results of CBCs published in American Birds (formerly Audubon Field Notes); main database available on the internet Trends and time series availability : Trend analyses completed by J. R. Sauer from 1959-1988. New trend analyses being conducted - analyses of boreal species and watchlist species. Custom analyses can be done by interested individuals as for BBS Funding sources : National Audubon Society Applications for the data : Main use is for population status and trends and distribution of early winter birds. In 1980's used for documentation of decline in American Black Duck. Being used to understand status of species that could be put on watchlists. Users of the information : Research scientists (population dynamics), conservation biologists, and interested individuals study long-term trends and status of bird populations across North America. Environmental assessment : Most frequent use is for information about birds in BCRs and watchlist species. Can be used for EA, but data limited by need to correct for observer effort and non-random location of circles. CBC data used to identify declines in American Black Duck; subsequently hunting pressure was reduced. |
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