Canadian Migration Monitoring Network
By Request
1984
Beaverhill Bird Observatory was launched in 1984, was incorporated in 1988 and began standardized migrationing monitoring in 1990.
This dataset contains daily estimated totals (DET) from the Beaverhill 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.
Spring Monitoring runs from May 1st to June 10th. Fall songbird monitoring runs August 1st to October 10 and fall owl monitoring runs September 9th to November 14th.
Study area is approximately 12hectares in central Alberta, near Edmonton.
Primary focus is landbirds (104 priority species) but BBO aslso monitors Northern Saw-whet owl and Boreal Owl.
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.Beaverhill Bird Observatory’s objectives are to conduct research to better understand bird ecology, promote conservation of birds and their habitats, and encourage the appreciation of the natural world through public engagement. Beaverhill Bird Observatory also monitors fall movements of Northern Saw-whet and Boreal Owl and runs three MAPS stations and Tree Swallow boxes that have been monitored since the 90's
Standardized captures and observations used to derive daily estimated total throughout migration window.
Combination of standardized daily captures, census, visible migration counts and other observations resulting in a daily estimated total for each species. Observation period is 6 hours in length with a 0.5hour census. BBO runs 12 mistnets 12m in length.
Most stations produce some form of annual report for members.
Any disruption to standardized operations relevant to appropriate interpretation of analytical results is noted in a regularly-updated section of the station protocol. As of 2025, the following alert had been recorded. Habitat at BBO has undergone succession, such that net locations have been regularly shifted to maintain fairly similar netting conditions, mainly in willow edges.
Birds Canada and Beaverhill Bird Observatory. 2025. "CMMN Daily Estimated Totals: Beaverhill Bird Observatory". Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada. 10.71842/6b87-4x24
