Overview
Project Name
Canadian Migration Monitoring Network
Access Level
Visualizations only
Year started
1989
Year Ended
1999
Dataset
CMMN Daily Estimated Totals: Whitefish Point Bird Observatory
About
Dataset summary
This dataset contains daily estimated totals (DET) from the Whitefish 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.
Season(s) and frequency
At Point: daily in fall, 1 Aug to mid-Nov in most years. Spring coverage in 1999 only (15 Mar-31 May). At Vermillion: daily in spring (mixed start dates but usually mid-May to end June (1993 and 1996-1998). Fall coverage (1996-1998 only) daily from 1 Aug to end Sep.
Geographic area covered
From Newfoundland to British Columbia; Member stations in NS, QC, ON (6), MI, MB, SK, AB (3), and BC (2). Pilot stations in NF, PEI, NB, ON, BC and YK.
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.
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.
Analysis methods
Most stations produce some form of annual report for members.
Advice
Any disruption to standardized operations relevant to appropriate interpretation of analytical results is noted in a regularly-updated section of the station protocol. Participation in the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network was aimed particularly at tracking passerines in spring, when birds concentrate on this northward-pointing peninsula. The project ended when it became clear that early spring weather conditions precluded regular coverage. No formal operations protocol for this project are on file to document daily operations, census route, net locations, or daily effort levels. However, experienced CMMN personnel helped set things up and visited periodically, so it is likely that procedures were similar to those documented in the written protocols of member stations in Canada.
Partners
Michigan Audubon Society
Whitefish Point Bird Observatory
Citation
Michigan Audubon Society and Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. 2026. "CMMN Daily Estimated Totals: Whitefish Point Bird Observatory". Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada. 10.71842/cdvf-ve16