British Columbia Beached Birds Survey

Birds Canada
https://www.birdscanada.org

Canadian Wildlife Service
http://www.ec.gc.ca/

Project name: Beached Bird Surveys

Goals : The primary aims of the 2002-2004 BC Beached Bird Survey are to increase our baseline information on the causes and rates of beached bird mortality, compare current rates with estimates from 10 years ago, and expand the coverage to a larger area of the BC Coast. By monitoring birds on beaches and keeping track of whether or not they have been affected by oil pollution, we can detect fluctuations in both the amount of oil pollution occurring in BC, as well as its effect on waterbirds. Beached bird survey data can also be used to determine what species of seabirds are most affected by oiling, what time of year the problem is most severe, and whether the proportion of oiled birds washing up on beaches is changing over time.

Dataset summary : The primary aims of the 2002-2004 BC Beached Bird Survey are to increase our baseline information on the causes and rates of beached bird mortality, compare current rates with estimates from 10 years ago, and expand the coverage to a larger area of the BC Coast. By monitoring birds on beaches and keeping track of whether or not they have been affected by oil pollution, we can detect fluctuations in both the amount of oil pollution occurring in BC, as well as its effect on waterbirds. Beached bird survey data can also be used to determine what species of seabirds are most affected by oiling, what time of year the problem is most severe, and whether the proportion of oiled birds washing up on beaches is changing over time.

Status : Active

Year started : 1999

Years (comments) : ongoing

Season(s) and frequency : second Sunday of each month, or as close to that day as possible

Frequency : Monthly

Geographic area covered : Coastal British Columbia

Type(s) of habitat : all coastal habitats

Primary species covered : waterbirds

Sampling Design : In populated areas, sites were set up by coordinator, but in remote, or uncovered areas, participants select their own sites

Field methods : Observers count all waterbirds, by species, at regular (2nd Sunday of each month) intervals at specfic locations so that coordinated information on distribution and migration over a broad area can be acquired. Surveys are conducted as close to high tide as possible, and in the same manner each time.

Data format : Data reported on survey forms. Computerized database maintained at Birds Canada office in CWS Pacific and Yukon Region Delta office.

Sample size : 322 sites - coverage varies year to year

Results : Scientific review of data in 2002, annual newsletter

Funding sources : Environment Canada, looking for other sources

Applications for the data : Used for deriving trends in waterbird populations and locating important staging areas

Users of the information : Waterbird research biologists, planners, resource managers

Environmental assessment : Yes; on the themes of coastal regions