Ecology Lab Three

Authors: Kamil Adamczewski, Joelle Brooker, Brittney Jorisch, and Karin Yosefi On October 1, 2015, between approximately 3:50 and 4:00 pm, ten transects, each 20 metres +/- 2 centimetres long, were laid out in random locations. Five transects were laid in different areas of the Danby woodlots, and five were laid in different areas of the adjacent grasslands. The observer then slowly walked the length of the transect, while gazing upward and noting if any birds were seen flying over any point of the transect. If a bird was spotted, the species was noted if the observer could determine it. If not, the species was labeled as "unknown". As well, the distance at which the bird crossed over the transect was approximately recorded. At the end of each transect walk, the abundance of birds seen was noted. The wind intensity was measured using the Beaufort scale. The purpose of this observation was to determine if there is a relationship between wind intensity, site and abundance/species of birds seen. The observations were conducted at Danby woodlots and the adjacent grasslands, on the north-east side of York University, Keele campus. The temperature was 15 degress Celcius, and it was sunny with no precipitation.