POINT COUNTS

A point count consists of one person standing in a specific location, for a fixed length of time, at a specific time of day, and counting all birds seen and heard within a specific distance ("Fixed Radius,") or as far as the eye can see ("Open Radius.")

CAP-LTER uses 15-minute observation time spans.

Counts are done within 4 hours of local sunrise.

Counts are done using the "Open Radius" method.

ADDITIONAL OBSERVERS

The primary observer may be accompanied to the plot area by an additional observer. However, only the primary observer should stand at plot center, and only the observations of the primary observer should be recorded on the data sheet. To avoid any bias that would invalidate the data collected, the secondary observer should not verbalize, point out birds, or give any non-verbal cues to the primary observer.

Please note in the "Notes" column of the data sheet if an additional observer was present during the count.

If the secondary observer sees something especially interesting that the primary observer did not see, it may be noted in the "Notes" column.

COUNT CONDITIONS

The first point count should be started no earlier than local sunrise. The final point count should be finished no later than 4 hours past local sunrise.

Do not conduct point counts in steady, or heavy rain. (It is okay to conduct counts in light, intermittent drizzle, but be sure to make note of this in the "Weather" line of the data sheet.)

Do not conduct point counts in steady winds above 20 mph.

APPROACHING THE PLOT

Approach the plot as quietly as possible to minimize disturbance to the birds present.

Make note in the "Notes" column of any birds flushed by the approach in case they do not return during the count.

Stand quietly at plot center for 5 minutes before starting the count. This is essential to allow any disturbance caused by the approach to settle down.

Use this 5-minute settle-down time to fill out the information at the top of the data sheet.

Record in the "Notes" column any unusual circumstances around the plot, such as construction activity, or if a substantial part of the dataTable is blocked, such as by a wall.

CONDUCTING THE COUNT

After the 5-minute settle-down period, set a watch or timer and conduct the count for 15 minutes. Rotate slowly in place and record all birds seen or heard. For each observation, note the following in the appropriate column of the data sheet.

Species

Use the AOU code (7th Edition) if known, or write down the complete common name.

If the species can not be positively identified, use the closest taxonomic affiliation. (It is better to record something as "unknown" rather than guessing.)

Number of Individuals and Distance

Usually, a single individual bird will be recorded per line.

Only record a number greater than one on a single line if birds of the same species are observed very close together, such as a flock or family group.

If a mixed flock is observed, put each species on a separate line and note in the "Notes" column that they were part of a mixed flock.

Record estimated flock sizes, only if you cannot count them all, in the following manner: "10-20" or "15+."

Write the number of individuals observed in the appropriate distance columns (a meter - 39 inches - is a little bit longer than a yard.)

If a bird moves during the count, record only the distance at which it was first observed.

Try to be aware of bird movement to minimize counting birds twice.

Fly-Throughs (FT)

If a bird is seen flying through the count area, below the tallest structure or vegetation, but not observed taking off or landing, record it in the "FT" column only, not the distance columns. Note also the direction the bird was first observed.

Higher flying birds can be noted in the "Notes" column if it is likely they are "aerial screeners" using the habitat, such as a hawk circling 100 feet overhead.

You may note in the "Notes" column any unusual fly-overs, such as a flock of Sandhill Cranes.

Seen (S) or Heard (H) Columns

Record with a check mark whether the bird was identified from sight or sound, or both. Use caution with similar-sounding birds, like Juncos and White-crowned Sparrows, or with mimics and imitators, like Grackles and Starlings.

Direction

Record the direction the bird was first observed, or heard. This may mean recording a bird heard to the south (S) even though you were facing northwest (N/W) at the time.

Use the cardinal and midcardinal points of the compass (N, N/E, E, S/E, S, S/W, W, N/W) in this column.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

Wear drab clothing and avoid bold patterns that might scare away some birds, or attract other ones.

Do not "pish," "squeak," or use any other methods to encourage birds to show themselves. This would artificially inflate the bird densities recorded and invalidate the data collected.

If the 15-minute count is interrupted for more than 30 seconds for any reason, such as a homeowner coming up to ask what you are doing, make a note of the interruption in the "Notes" column. An interruption of 5 minutes or more should also be reflected in the "End Time" column.

Do not start or continue a count if personal safety is threatened in any way. Notify CAP-LTER bird research group managers of any threat to safety encountered at a research plot.