CMMN Daily Estimated Totals: Rocky Point Bird Observatory

Rocky Point Bird Observatory
https://rpbo.org/

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.

Dataset summary : This dataset contains daily estimated totals (DET) from the Rocky Point 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.

Status : Active

Year started : 1994

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. Rocky Point Bird Observatory was began in 1994 and standardized migration monitoring started in 1999. A second site was established at Pedder Bay in 2012

Season(s) and frequency : Fall montioring occurs between July 21st and October 18th.

Geographic area covered : Located near Victoria, British Columbia (48.320278, -123.597778). Rocky Point count area is approximately 35 hectares and Pedder Bay count area is approximately 35 hectares.

Type(s) of habitat : Count area consists of Woodland, Shrubland, Grassland, Open wetlands (marsh, bogs, etc.), Standing water (pond, lake), and Beach or dunes.

Primary species covered : Primary focus is landbirds (104 priority species).

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. Count period is 6 hours in length and census period is 1.5hours at Rocky Point and 1.25 hours at Pedder Bay. Rocky Point runs 13 mist nets and Pedder Bay runs 16 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