Dataset

CMMN Daily Estimated Totals: Last Mountain Bird Observatory

About

Dataset summary

This dataset contains daily estimated totals (DET) from the Last Mountain Bird Observatory. 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 monitoring runs from May 9th to May 31st. Fall monitoring runs from August 3rd to October 7th.

Geographic area covered

Located near Imperial, Saskatchewan (51.35084, -105.21725). The count area is approximately 20 hectares.

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. The count period id 6 hours with a 1 hour census period. The station runs 13 mist nets.

Analysis methods

Most stations produce some form of annual report for members.

Partners

Last Mountain Bird Observatory

Citation

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