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Narragansett Bay Winter Waterfowl Survey Methods

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Instructions for Survey (1 pp, 68 KB, about PDF)


Instructions for Conducting the Survey of Wintering Waterfowl on Narragansett Bay

  1. REQUIREMENTS: It is important that the observer know the visual identification of all species likely to be encountered. It is advisable, even for experienced observers, to become familiar with less common species that may be present in the coastal northeast during winter.
  2. SCOUTING: The importance of familiarization with the sampling locations before the day of the run cannot be overstressed. A scouting trip can save time and frustration, especially for first-time observers. First-time observers should also conduct a test run to get familiar with the technique and the forms.
  3. WHEN TO SAMPLE: Sampling will be coordinated, with the goal being the simultaneous census of all waterfowl on Narragansett Bay. The ideal scenario is to census all sample points within a segment in a day.
  4. SEQUENCE OF SAMPLING: Locations can be sampled in any order, however route directions are written to allow sequential sampling of the locations and to minimize driving time.
  5. SAMPLE LOCATIONS: Locations are chosen to allow for the most complete coverage of the Bay, while taking advantage of public access to the coast. If, during the course of the survey, you come across a sample location that may be easier to access or provide better coverage of a particular area, please let us know at the address listed below.
  6. COUNTING: Counting should be done from a stationary point from which the entire area (i.e., cove or embayment) to be surveyed can be seen with binoculars or a spotting scope. Every bird seen on the water surface or on the adjoining shoreline up to 50 m from the water should be counted at each location. There is no set time limit for the census, take only as much time as it takes to accurately count and record each bird seen. Most locations should take between 10 – 20 minutes to survey.
  7. WHICH BIRDS TO COUNT: Count individuals of all waterfowl species seen during each census. We define waterfowl species as ducks, geese, and swans. When possible, note whether individuals are male, female, or juvenile (first year birds). Large flocks of greater than 100 birds can be estimated by counting in groups of ten or one hundred. Report only those birds actually seen during the census. Be careful not to count any individuals known or strongly suspected to have been counted at a previous location. Also, note the numbers of common shorebirds such as gulls and sandpipers, and waterbirds such as cormorants and grebes. Large flocks of gulls and sandpipers can be roughly estimated to save time. Any species unusual in the area, whether it appears on the form or not, should be supported by including some details of the observation.
  8. DISTURBANCE: Note on the field data sheets whether there was any disturbance present at the time of census that may have influenced waterfowl at the location. Disturbance can include human activity (hunting, boating, people or pets walking along the shore), and natural phenomena such as the presence of predators (e.g., a hawk circling nearby).
  9. ACCEPTABLE WEATHER: We will census at a pre-arranged time only under satisfactory weather conditions: good visibility, little or no precipitation, light winds. Wind and temperature meters will be provided. Weather conditions should be noted on the data sheets:

    Temperature: Record the air temperature in degrees Celsius

    Wind Direction: Record the wind direction using the eight inter-cardinal points (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW)

    Cloud cover: estimate the percentage of the sky covered with clouds (0 – 100%)

    Precipitation: three scenarios: Fog, Rain, or Snow. Enter a “0” if not present; if present enter 1, 2, or 3 to indicate the severity of the precipitation (1 = light; 2 = moderate; 3 = heavy).
    Sea State: indicate whether seas are calm, choppy, or pounding surf.

    Tide: estimate whether tide is high or low, or intermediate between the two (med.).

    Ice: estimate the extent of ice coverage: none; partial; total.
  10. RECORD KEEPING: Data sheets are available on the N. Bay Winter Waterfowl website, on the “Data” page (click on “Fowl Survey Form”). These sheets can be downloaded or printed for use in the field. Alternatively, the forms can be filled out electronically, saved with a unique file name (preferably identifying the survey location), and emailed to us at the address below. Please return completed data sheets to us following completion of the survey, and we will enter the data into the database. Fill out one sheet only per survey location, even if that location includes several survey spots. Record the number of birds seen using arabic numerals (i.e., 1, 2, 3, . . .) on the final data sheets. If possible, record the gender of waterfowl observed and any juveniles (e.g., males in pre-adult plumage). Remember to record weather data, and the start and end time for the location.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE NARRAGANSETT BAY WATERFOWL SURVEY.

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

Send completed data forms to:

Richard McKinney
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Atlantic Ecology Division
27 Tarzwell Drive
Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882 USA

(401)782-3133
(401)782-3030 (fax)

mckinney.rick@epa.gov

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