Lab 3: Techniques & data: field sample training with animals (pans, pitfalls, sweeps, and distances) - Distance Based Dataset

To measure bird diversity in different habitats on campus, the frequencies of various bird species in Saywell Woodlot(43.770222, -79.508942) and in the grasslands around Stong Pond (43°46'13.2"N 79°30'25.9"W) were measured on September 30th, 2014 from 3-5pm. At the time of measurement, the weather was cloudy with a temperature around 20 degrees Celsius. To measure the frequency of bird species, n=10 transects were performed (approximately 25 meters in length) with n=5 performed in the grassland habitat (denoted as G) and n=5 performed in the woodland habitat (denoted as W). The different types of species of birds as well as their frequency were recorded as we proceeded along the transect. We walked along the length of the transect in both directions until birds were spotted, after which a new transect was performed. The transects were performed approximately 10 meters apart in different directions including random areas at the boundary of each habitat. Species were differentiated using a bird identification handbook (differentiated based on morphology). The distance from the transect to the group of birds was approximated (i.e. not directly measured) using binoculars. Distances from the transect which appeared to be greater than 500 meters were denoted as “500+” (500m was the cutoff point). The frequency of the birds that could not be identified at the distance they were observed at were recorded under the “Unidentified” column. Wind speed at the time of sampling was consistently 0 km/h. Species observed included B. Canadensis (Canadian Goose), L. Argentantus (Gull), P. Domesticus (House Sparrow) and T. Migratorius (American Robin). Note: Variable definitions are in column C of Meta sheet.