Overview
Project Name
Beached Bird Surveys
Access Level
Open (core fields)
Year started
1999
Year Ended
ongoing
Dataset
British Columbia Beached Birds Survey
About
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.
Season(s) and frequency
second Sunday of each month, or as close to that day as possible
Geographic area covered
Coastal British Columbia
Primary species covered
waterbirds
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.
Methods
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.
Analysis methods
Scientific review of data in 2002, annual newsletter
Partners
Citation
Birds Canada and Canadian Wildlife Service. 2025. "Beached Bird Surveys". Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
