Dataset

CMMN Daily Estimated Totals: Atlantic Bird Observatory - Seal Island

About

Dataset summary

This dataset contains daily estimated totals (DET) from the Atlantic Bird Observatory - Seal Island station. DET is a standard protocol used by Canadian Migration Monitoring Network stations to estimate the total number of individuals of each species occurring at a site during migration.

Season(s) and frequency

spring and fall

Geographic area covered

From Newfoundland to British Columbia; Member stations in NS, QC, ON (6), MI, MB, SK, AB (3), and BC (2). Pilot stations in NF, PEI, NB, ON, BC and YK.

Primary species covered

Primary focus is landbirds (104 priority species) but some stations also monitor waterbirds, raptors.

Goals

To generate counts of migrating birds for use in long-term population monitoring, especially landbird species not monitored by current breeding or winter surveys; To carry out cooperative research projects on the ecology of migrating birds.

Methods

Sampling Design

Standardized captures and observations used to derive daily estimated total throughout migration window.

Field methods

Combination of standardized daily captures, census, visible migration counts and other observations resulting in a daily estimated total for each species.

Analysis methods

Most stations produce some form of annual report for members.

Partners

Citation

Atlantic Bird Observatory. 2025. "Canadian Migration Monitoring Network". Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.