Survey of Bird Populations in York University's Danby Woodlot

On York University's Campus lies Danby Woodlot, a small, undeveloped area in an otherwise urban landscape. In order to assess the variety and abundance of bird species in the area, this author set out to survey the area. Using ten 25-metre transects (five in a wooded area and five in a grassy area), The author walked slowly along the length taking an estimated 5 minutes per transect. Each time a bird was spotted, the common name and number of birds in the group was recorded. Furthermore, the estimated distance of the specimen(s) from the observer, and wind speed were recorded. To record wind speed, the Beaufort scale of wind speed was emlpoyed. As precision equipment was unavailable, the Beaufort scale allows for approximation of wind speeds.