🪺6.28 CBBS: First Day Out (Handling Sample Area #91)— Learning the Survey Methodology

Survey Methodology

1. Fixed-Distance Point Count Method

1. Upon arrival at the survey site, observers will use the site as the center and record all wild bird species seen or heard within a 150-meter radius over 12 minutes. Data collection includes species identification, individual counts, and the time each bird is first detected. If multiple individuals of the same species are detected at different times, each detection time must be recorded separately to avoid duplicate counts.

2. Any juvenile birds confirmed to have hatched in the same year or individuals with breeding evidence should be noted in the remarks section.

3. Flocks (groups of five or more birds of the same species moving together) should be marked as "flocking" and counted separately. Flocked individuals should not be merged with dispersed individuals of the same species outside the group.

4. Birds flying over the survey area without landing should not be recorded unless they exhibit behaviors that indicate habitat use, such as soaring, hovering, foraging in flight, or display flights.

5. Birds that do not meet the criteria for point count surveys should be recorded in a supplemental bird list. This includes birds seen flying overhead, those detected beyond the 150-meter radius, and those observed after the 12-minute survey period or while traveling between survey points.

6. The primary and secondary habitat types within the survey area should be recorded. Photographs documenting the environment in four directions at each survey point should be taken. If possible, observers are encouraged to make full audio recordings during the survey or record specific bird vocalizations separately.

2. Survey Team Organization and Fieldwork Procedures

1. Survey teams will work in pairs, responsible for selecting, planning, and conducting field surveys within assigned survey areas. Area assignments will be based on familiarity with the region, accessibility, and overall survey progress.

2. Different survey points within the same area may be assigned to different teams, but efforts should be coordinated in advance to avoid redundant work.

3. Survey points and routes should be planned according to the area's geographic features, topography, vegetation types, accessibility, and level of human disturbance. The survey design should aim to cover major habitat types within the area. Plans should be reviewed and confirmed by the survey coordinator before fieldwork begins. If unfamiliar with the site, teams are encouraged to conduct a preliminary field visit.

4. Field survey schedules should be adjusted based on team availability and weather conditions. Surveys should be avoided during strong winds, heavy fog, or intense rainfall, as these conditions significantly impact bird activity.

5. During the survey, one team member is responsible for recording data, timing, taking photographs, and making audio recordings, while the other focuses on bird observation and identification. After each survey point is completed, both members should review the data for accuracy.

6. Surveyors must use GPS tools and satellite imagery of their assigned survey areas for planning survey points and routes. GPS tracks should be recorded throughout the survey.

7. After completing the survey, all collected data—including GPS tracks, survey records, and photographs—must be submitted on the same day. Data can be sent directly to the survey coordinator or emailed to the Chengdu Birdwatching Society at scbirds_2004@qq.com.