Dataset

Daily Migration Counts: Atlantic Bird Observatory

About

Dataset summary

Counts from the Atlantic Bird Observatory (ABO) for 1997-2014 of birds banded and observed during daily operations; plus a composite Daily Estimated Total (DET): the best estimate for each species of unduplicated number of individuals detected within the official count area during the daily monitoring period.

Season(s) and frequency

On Bon Portage, daily counts from mid-August to end of October. Coverage was lower at Seal Island

Geographic area covered

Offshore of southwestern Nova Scotia: Bon Portage Island (ATBP; 43.465, -66.745) and Seal Island (ATSI; 43.394, -66.014, about 20 km farther west). Monitored migrants breed primarily in the Maritime provinces.

Primary species covered

Landbirds and marine waterbirds

Goals

To conduct standardized daily migration season counts and collect ancillary data on migration ecology for use in long-term biological and population monitoring of Canada’s bird species

Methods

Sampling Design

Daily capture and observation during migration seasons to generate species-specific daily totals of birds detected within each study site

Field methods

Daily banding and a census, plus incidental observations

Analysis methods

See Quick Links. Population trends for all species were based on Daily Estimated Totals at Bon Portage.

Advice

No written protocol on record for this station. If important to learn the distinction between Daily Estimated Totals and Daily Standardized Totals, contact the current station operators

Partners

Atlantic Bird Observatory

Citation

Birds Canada and Atlantic Bird Observatory. 2026. "Daily Migration Counts: Atlantic Bird Observatory". Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada. 10.71842/pd1h-d607