Survey Census Instructions

1. Use the maps and directions provided to locate the site. Most census points are located a short distance from a road or trail. The place of entry will be marked by a bright (pink) ribbon with numbers; check the numbers to be sure that you have located the correct place. Randomized (road) sites, numbered > 400, generally are not marked with a ribbon. Use the map to find the approximate location.
2. Approach the site quietly as a group. Compare the habitat in the vicinity of the point with the habitat type indicated on the computer form. If these do not match, review the directions and map. Look for a stake painted orange at the tip. If located, indicate on the Site Evaluation Form. Update directions on the computer form if necessary.
3. Once the site has been located, wait quietly until the birds seem to have resumed their activities. Note the time and begin the census. Record all birds seen or heard during a 10 minute period. Try to identify the total number of individuals for each species. This will be difficult but is very important. A circular map is provided on the census form to help you estimate numbers for each species. Mark observations on this map using the standardized codes. The most important part of the census form, however, is the table at the bottom of the page. All observations and details must be entered here.
4. Numbers of birds seen or heard during the first 3 minutes of the census (number of singing males or pairs for codes S, M, and P and the total number of individuals for codes O, J, and X) should be recorded in the first column (0-3) of the table. Birds seen later during the census (3-5 minutes or 5-10 minutes) should be recorded in the other two columns. This information is designed to make our censuses compatible with other censuses whose durations are 3 or 5 minutes rather than 10 minutes. Note that a given individual should be recorded only once on the form. Three records for the same species, for example, will be interpreted as three different pairs or individuals. You do not need to compute a total for each species over the entire 10 minute period; this will be calculated later by computer.
5. If you are unable to identify a song or call, record these birds as "unidentified" individuals of the appropriate type (e.g., "unidentified woodpecker" = UNWO). Include a description of the call or field marks, if possible. Later reference to tape recordings or consultation with others might lead to proper identification. This is especially important for woodpeckers, which often are detected only by their "drumming" activities. These birds should not be omitted from your results.
6. Use the code X for birds that are observed flying over (but not using) the habitat. Species heard far away should be recorded in the distance category 3. If a bird is seen or heard in a habitat that is different from the target habitat (e.g., a Common Loon in a lake adjacent to a forest; a Blue Jay in a forest at the edge of wetland), make a note of the habitat on the census map, but record the bird in the table as usual.
7. If time permits after the census period had ended, you may try to "track down" troublesome birds for positive identification.
8. Use the Site Evaluation Form to record notes about the vegetation composition, access problems, or other important characteristics of the site.
9. Keep a record of birds encountered while driving or walking between sites. These observations, as well as any evidence of breeding, should be documented under the Notes section of the census forms. Be sure to add new species to the "Master Bird List" at the survey headquarters.
10. After you return to the headquarters, use the codes provided in your group packet to complete the tables at the bottom of census form. Record (with appropriate codes) all species encountered during the 10 minute counts. Use the sample data form as a guide for entering status and distance codes.