British Columbia Joint Venture

Methods

For this project, 5 min distance-based point counts with unlimited radius are recommended. A 5 min count period is used for many projects including the BBA, and allows for more point counts to be completed on a given morning. Detections will be recorded using distance groupings of <50 m, 50-100 m, and >100m. These distance estimates are mainly intended to help the observer differentiate between different individual birds and avoid double counting. Variable radius point counts enable surveys to be adapted to varying habitat and accommodate a wide range of species. While more precise distance estimates are required for calculations of absolute abundance, distance groupings may still allow comparison with other point counts and estimation of detection probability. The 5 min point count period should be divided into three intervals (0-3 min, 3-5 min and >5 min for any incidental observations after the count period) which allows for integration with BBS which use a 3 min count period. Point counts are conducted between May 15 and July 7, starting 30 mins before sunrise and ending by 10am. Suitable conditions required for point counts include temperatures >3°C, no precipitation, and light to no wind.