CMMN Daily Estimated Totals: Mackenzie Nature Observatory

Mackenzie Nature Observatory
http://www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/cmmn/index.jsp?targetpg=mno

Project name: Canadian Migration Monitoring Network

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.

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.

Status : Active

Year started : 1995

Years (comments) : CMMN was launched in 1998 as an ongoing monitoring program. The first migration monitoring station in North America was LPBO, started in 1960. Mackenzie Nature Observatory was orriginally established in 1994 at Gagnon (only used in 94 & 95), 1995 at Mugaha

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").

Type(s) of habitat : Count are consists of Woodland, Shrubland, Open wetlands (marsh, bogs, etc.) and Standing water (pond, lake)

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

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.

Data format : Data-entry program produces .dbf files. Archival copy of data for most stations is maintained at BSC.

Sample size : 16 full member station operating 21 migration stations. Several pilot stations.

Results : Most stations produce some form of annual report for members.

Trends and time series availability : Time series varied (1960-present for LPBO). Trend graphs updated annually for all stations with at least 5 years of data. Available on BSC web site

Publications : Hussell, DJT and CJ Ralph. 1998. Recommended methods for monitoring bird populations by counting and capture of migrants. (available on BSC website) Dunn, EH and DJT Hussell. 1995. Using migration counts to monitor landbird populations: review and evaluation of current status. Pp 43-58 in D.M. Power (ed.), Current Ornithology vol 12. Plenum Press, NY.

Funding sources : Varied.

Applications for the data : Trend information feeds into integrated population approach and is also used for planning and environmental assessment purposes.

Users of the information : BSC, research biologists