Dataset

CMMN Daily Estimated Totals: Mackenzie Nature Observatory

About

Dataset summary

This dataset contains daily estimated totals (DET) from the Mackenzie Nature 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

The station operates daily during the Fall from approx. July 19 - Sept. 23.

Geographic area covered

Located near Mackenzie, British Columbia (N 55° 23' 55", W 123° 12' 30").

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. The migration monitoring program in Mackenzie has three broad goals: 1. To monitor changes in the populations of small landbirds, that use and migrate through the Mackenzie area by providing annual indices of population numbers and structure, species composition, migration timing and possibly survival rates and indices of productivity. Of particular concern are species not effectively monitored by other survey methods (e.g. Breeding Bird Survey) and species showing declines in other regions. 2. To understand migration ecology and its relationship to breeding dynamics and management issues, particularly the significance of Mugaha Marsh as a stopover site. 3. To build partnerships within the community and between industry, naturalists, academia, First Nations, governments and interested citizens.

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 monitoring period is 6 hours in duration and the census period is 1 hour. The station runs 12 mist nets.

Analysis methods

Most stations produce some form of annual report for members.

Partners

Mackenzie Nature Observatory

Citation

Mackenzie Nature Observatory. 2025. "Canadian Migration Monitoring Network". Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.