Summary of the first month of the wading bird study:
The progress for this project to date has been slow. The
field counts depend on two main factors for success: times that low tide corresponds
with daylight hours; and rain. We have been unlucky with both variables. If you were quick to want an analysis of the data so far, indications
are pointing to this location (John D. MacArthur State Park) as being negligible
as an important feeding ground for wading birds; at least this year due to
higher tides. This is a long term study and the tides and daylight seem to be
shifting as we move closer to spring. This will hopefully yield better results.
Personal experience at this particular sight over many years
would indicate a much higher count of birds. Stay tuned to see if this has
changed as our project progresses into spring and summer months.
The following is a brief summary so far. Remember we are only looking for foraging
birds on the mud flats; not necessarily a total count of wading birds in the area.
We are averaging one survey per month so far. (You can revisit past blog
postings to get more detailed accounts of species counted)
December Survey: 18 total wading birds
Jan Survey: 19 total wading birds
Two surveys
were cancelled due to darkness
One survey
was cancelled due to severe storms in the area
Here is a picture of the lens we are using out in the field
[Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR] . It is heavy for fieldwork, but very good.
No comments:
Post a Comment