Observation of Birds at York University Using Belt Transects

Experiment took place at York University's Arboretum and Stong Pond, by the Osgood Woodlot at Keele Campus on September 30, 2015. 3 transects 100m in length were randomly placed, with each beginning in the Arboretum. The researchers walked along the transect spotting birds as they appeared, noting parameters such as location, recognizable taxonomical unit (RTU), distance from transect, and wind speed on a Beaufort scale. A transect, pair of binoculars, pen, and paper were necessary materials. A belt transect was used to aid in the speed of data collection, and because of the mobility of the birds. The belt transect allowed observations to be made on a large scale relative to other data collection methods (such as quadrats). This was especially necessary due to the nature of the animals (speed, range of habitat).