For monitoring waterfowl within particular wetland areas identified on the attached map, twenty-four sites will be chosen. Sites’ accessibility and evenly distribution around the wetland, along with the opportunity to view waterfowl across a large area, have determined their selection. In addition, the choice of these sites is explained by the ability to sample potentially non-productive, historically productive, and currently productive waterfowl locations and take a representative photo of the estuary’s inhabitants. Every location should be visited at least two times within the spring period which lasts for two weeks and two times within the fall period, respectively. Although the research aims to record and complete as many observations as possible according to schedules, at least four visits should occur annually.
The survey’s design presupposes the requirement of no more than two hours for their completion. Moreover, each survey that involves a few sites may be completed during a single morning or evening if possible. In addition, due to the Grand Codroy Estuary’s size, several people may be involved in surveying each site to complete all of them within an identified period. At a minimum, every survey during the fall session should be completed three hours after dawn in the morning and three hours before dark.
It would be beneficial for you to examine the sample locations presented on the map one day before your survey should be completed if you are not familiar with its area. In addition, asking for a landowner’s private permission in advance may be reasonable as well. Moreover, it is necessary to identify the most appropriate access points to the locations before your survey to complete it in a time-sensitive manner.
All sites intended for the survey should be easily accessible – they should be distant from meadows and roads and follow the wetland’s shoreline. Observations oriented towards the wetland and made within a semi-circle will be regarded as correct ones. Instead, your attempts to observe within a full circle around you will rapidly generate a large amount of excessive and unnecessary data related to the survey area. Thus, you may orient yourself in a way to avoid the view of the roadway or open fields and maximize the scope of the wetland’s observation out of 100m on your other side. It is reasonable to explore this 100m distance before getting prepared for the survey.
Some survey locations may be more accessible by canoe, kayak, or another non-motorized watercraft. Thus, if you use a boat, it should become the center of your observation’s semi-circle. In addition, it is essential to approach the survey site as quietly and slowly as possible to minimize the possibility of waterfowl flushing.
Along with a keen eye, your tools for the survey should include a field notebook, pencil, bird field guide, appropriate outdoor clothing, pair of binoculars, a watch to track fifteen minutes per every survey, and a cellular phone for emergencies.
Only good weather conditions are suitable for conducting surveys. This includes little wind or its absence, little precipitation or its absence, warm air temperature, and good visibility out to no less than 100m. It will be reasonable to reschedule the survey if poor weather conditions last for a long period.
When you reach the survey location and orient yourself to have a maximal view of it, begin survey timing for fifteen minutes sitting quietly. It is recommended to record any waterfowl that was flushed out of the identified area during your approach and setup period. To indicate its flushing before the survey, you may record it in the specific space at the bottom of your sheet.
During the survey’s fifteen-minute period, you should record all species of waterfowl seen within the targeted area distinguishing between female and male adult birds where possible. In addition, the exact number of samples, including individual ducklings in broods, should be recorded as well. The results will be put in the appropriate space of the reporting sheet using separate columns for different sample sites and identifying the site’s name at the top of every column. As previously mentioned, any waterfowl that fly in, over, or flushed out of the targeted territory should be recorded on the sheet as well.
It is not allowed to guess – you may record any species as unknown, and it will be entirely acceptable. You may attend informal birdwatching excursions and local birding workshops to be proficient at identifying waterfowl species, however, you should recognize any species before recording it. That is why it is acceptable to record several unknown species if you are not certain about their identities. With time, your knowledge and skills related to identification will become more advanced.
In addition, if you identify any other non-waterfowl species within the survey area or close to it, you should record them as well at the bottom of the reporting sheets according to the appropriate column.
Moreover, you should record any type of excessive noise or disturbance from various sources, including vehicles, boat traffic, farm equipment, or people talking, at the bottom of a site-related column as it may substantially impact the behavior of monitored waterfowl.
At the same time, it is essential to prioritize your safety and be mindful of the condition of the wetland habitat and the tides. In addition, access to survey locations on private property requires landowners’ permission.
Throughout your survey, it is highly essential to remember that you should be as careful about causing little or no disturbance as possible. You should take into consideration that monitored birds will either raise broods or prepare for migrations at the survey time – thus, the excessive disturbance may negatively affect waterfowl foraging. If you feel that your approach may cause the separation of a hen and her ducklings, it will be highly reasonable to leave the area. You should leave the area as well if you face adult birds’ aggression. Thus, consider common sense and do not put both the birds and yourself in jeopardy.
Finally, do not forget to have fun – the purpose of this community waterfowl monitoring is to enjoy this activity. Although not every person should monitor the same locations annually, it is recommended for your birding group to have the same individual or a group that will be committed to monitoring the same sample areas year after year. For instance, they could be certain people who live close to survey vacations and have special knowledge and a strong desire to monitor waterfowl. Therefore, a survey group may be organized individually, and more survey areas may be included, especially if identified ones become non-productive.