Yorku.Birdsighting.Sep27-2016.csv

<b>YORK UNIVERSITY BIRD sighting - Metadata</b> <b><i>Header Descriptions:</i></b> <b>Transect:</b> A total of 10 transects measuring 30 meters were randomly placed: 5 in the grassland and 5 in the woodlot. The duration of observations for each transect was 5 minutes. <b>Habitat:</b> Transects were either placed in the grassland or at the adjacent woodlot at York University, near York Boulevard. <b>Number of Birds:</b> The total number of birds passing above an estimated area of 10 meters on either side of each transect over a duration of 5 minutes was visually assessed. <b>Number of Species:</b> The total number of species sighted passing above each area over a duration of 5 minutes was visually assessed. Over the course of the experiment, a total of three species were sighted. <b>Species Frequency:</b> The total number of individuals belonging to each species sighted passing above each area over a duration of 5 minutes was visually assessed. <b><i>Additional Information:</i></b> <b>Hypothesis and Predictions:</b> I hypothesized that there would be fewer bird sightings in the woodlot compared to the grassland due to an obstructed view. I predict that similar woodlots would also have relatively low bird sightings compared to adjacent grasslands. <b>Time:</b> Tuesday, September 27, 2016. 3:25-4:40 EST. <b>Location:</b> Grassland and adjacent woodlot at York University. Latitude and longitude: 43.775, -79.505. <b>Weather Conditions:</b> 21-22 degrees Celsius, partly cloudy, wind speed: 4 (Beaufort scale). <b>Survey Method: </b> 5 belt transects measuring 30 meters were randomly placed in each habitat. Three randomly-generated integers were used to determine transect location: 1. One from 0 to 30 to determined how many meters away the next transect would be. 2. One from 0 to 359 to determined the angle at which the new transect would be from the other. 3. One between 0 to 359 to determine the angel of the transect. Any bird passing above an estimated area of 10 meters on either side of the transect was counted. Transects were placed and measurements made in 5 minute intervals.