Lab 3. Bird sighting dataset

Methods

This dataset was collected on September 29, 2016 at
approximately 4pm, in the Dandy grasslands and woodlot near York University. The
weather for the day of sampling was 15°C with
light rain (Rain: 1-3 mm Wind: 20 km/h E Wind gust: 30 km/h Humidity: 82). In each habitat type, five different 10 m
transects were placed in randomly chosen spots. The number of bird sightings in
a one minute interval was recorded for each transect.  Wind intensity for each transect was
estimated on a scale from 1 to 5, 5 being the most intense. Wind speed and
weather information for the general area was obtained from the website https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/weather/ontario/north-york
at the time of sampling.  The number of
different bird species and the distance from the transect was also estimated
for each sighting.

Hypothesis

Wind intensity has an impact on the number of birds that are
active.

Predictions

1)      There will not be many birds active due to the
high wind intensity.

2)       There will be a low diversity of bird species,
because smaller birds may have difficulty navigating in strong winds.

3)       There will be a higher abundance of flying birds
in the open area (grasslands) than in the woodlands at the time of sampling,
due to the fact that most birds are diurnal.