Birds on Farms program

Transcription

1 Birds on Farms program Survey Instructions and FAQ for Birdwatchers These Birds on Farms (BOF) instructions have been developed primarily for birdwatchers that are visiting a landholder s property to undertake surveys as part of this program. However, they can also be used by landholders for undertaking BOF surveys on their own properties. Background to the Birds on Farms program Birds are widely recognised as good indicators of environmental health. The diversity of birds in agricultural areas can inform how different land-management practices can help birds survive and thrive on farms and other rural private properties. BirdLife Australia has received funding from Wettenhall Environment Trust to re-ignite its Birds on Farms project. This project will engage farmers and the local community to monitor woodland birds within agricultural areas across Victoria. It will re-visit sites from the original Birds on Farms program ( ), as well as establish survey sites at new properties. The findings will evaluate the ecological condition of farms, assess changes in bird assemblages, identify priority sites for conservation, and produce refined guidelines for increasing woodland bird diversity in rural areas. Birds are being surveyed four times per year using the 2 hectare-20 minute method. The survey plots are located within parts of farms that either retain intact or semi-intact woodland habitat or are being actively restored (e.g. revegetation areas). These plots may or may not have a waterbody within them, and may or may not be grazed by livestock. Accessing the site for surveys The birdwatcher will need to contact the landholder to arrange a suitable time to undertake the surveys on their property. Some landholders will be keen and available to join the surveys, and in these cases please do your best to find a mutually suitable time. We also ask that you share your knowledge and appreciation of birds with them. Our long-term vision is that all interested landholders will eventually undertake the surveys themselves without outside assistance. Thus, these initial shared surveys with you will be part of their training. If the landholders are not joining you on the surveys, ensure that you receive appropriate instructions from them. Some possible questions may include: Directions on how to reach the property and a suitable time for access. Best location for access into the property How to move around the property between the plots (e.g. in vehicle or on foot only, formed tracks, need for a 4WD, livestock considerations, gates, areas to avoid, etc.). If you are unfamiliar with the property, and the landholder is not with you, then you are likely to need a combination of maps and GPS to reach the plot locations. The plots will generally not be marked out in any formal manner, however we will aim to provide maps for you. 1

2 What you will need during a survey The main items that we recommend you take along for the survey are appropriate clothing, pen and paper, mobile phone, wet weather gear, snacks and water, binoculars, first aid kit, GPS and site maps. It is also good practice to let someone else know where you are going, and when you are expecting to return. It is also useful to take an identification guide to the birds of Australia into the field with you. They are many suitable books, brochures and phone apps available. The information that you will need to collect during a bird survey, and the preferred methods, are outlined in greater detail in the next section of this document. In summary, at each plot you will need to record the start time and date, the plot location and the bird species seen and heard, including a count of their numbers (abundance). Site details and bird observations can be collected during the survey in many ways, and you may use the approach that suits you best. Options include: Submitting data directly into the Birdata phone app during the survey; Recording data directly onto a hardcopy Atlas datasheet during the survey; Recording the relevant information into a notepad during the survey - and then later transferring the data either onto an Atlas datasheet, into the Birdata phone app, or into the Birdata website portal ( As such, you ll need to take the appropriate item into the field for documenting the surveys. No matter which approach you prefer, we recommend having a pencil and small notepad with you as a back-up. Undertaking the bird surveys Following are instructions for conducting a 2 hectare-20 minute bird survey at a plot. By standardising the survey method in this way, all of the Birds on Farm surveys undertaken across the state and in different seasons can be compared and analysed with scientific rigour. There is also a Frequently Asked Questions section further below (from page 5) which addresses other specific queries not covered by these instructions. During the first survey period, we would also like you to fill out a Habitat Assessment form for each plot (see page 9 below). 1. Most properties will have between 1 to 4 survey plots within them 1, with each covering an area of 2 hectares. Using whatever method is appropriate for the property (e.g. GPS, map, landholder instructions), navigate your way to the first survey plot. You can visit the plots on a property in whatever order suits your best, which can also be changed between survey periods. 2. Particularly on the first occasion that you visit a survey plot, identify the extent of your 2 hectare area. As noted earlier, the boundaries of the survey plots are not formally delineated with flagging tape or other markers. Ideally, the whole 2 hectares will be set up already to occur within a continuous area of the same broad type of terrestrial habitat type (e.g., the 2 hectare plot lies entirely within a 5 hectare area of native plantings), which may or may not include a wetland, farm dam or waterway. 1 A couple of properties have more than 4 plots. 2

3 100 metres 140 metres The shape of this 2 hectare area will depend on the location. As a guide, 2 hectares is roughly equivalent to the following shaped areas: 200 metres 140 metres 80 metres Some people may like to establish and walk along a straight transect line. If you are recording bird up to 40 metres on either side, then a distance of 250 metres along the transect line will cover 2 hectares (see diagram below). For narrower areas of revegetation or wind breaks, this transect line may be longer (e.g. a 400m transect line along a 50 metre wide revegetation strip covers 2 hectares). Start 40 m 250 metre transect line Finish 40 m Some plots may be more irregularly shaped. An example is provided below with a stretch of vegetation (green shading) alongside a meandering creekline. This is still a valid plot if it comprises a single continuous area of 2 hectares that is being surveyed. Creekline When you are surveying the plot during subsequent visits, as close as you can try to survey the exact same 2 hectare area. 3. Before commencing bird surveys within the plot, document the relevant site-specific information. That is, who is the main surveyor, how many others are there, what is the landholder s name, what is the plot identification number (i.e., the T-code), the date and start time. 3

4 4. Taking note of the start time, commence the bird survey and continue for 20 minutes within the 2 hectare plot. Document all bird species seen or heard within the plot area, and to the best of your ability count (or estimate) the number of individuals of each species. This is crucial for providing us with the most rigorous data analysis later on. 5. At the end of 20 minutes, the field-based component of the bird survey for this plot is complete. Make note of extra relevant details, if any. 6. Navigate your way to the next plot, and repeat. It is up to you (and in discussion with the landholder) whether you wish to undertake all of the plots surveys on a property within a single day, or spread them out over two or more days. Submitting the survey data to BirdLife Australia The data that you collect from the various survey plots within a property can be submitted to BirdLife Australia in one of two ways on datasheets, or via the online Birdata database: 1. Hard-copy Atlas Datasheet. One double-sided Atlas datasheet is completed for each and every 2 hectare-20 minute plot survey that is conducted. Fill out the details at the top of the datasheet first. For the site location, it is sufficient to write the unique plot identification code (i.e., the T- code number). You don t need to enter the latitude and longitude each time. For each bird detected within the plot, fill in/mark the P symbol next to its name on the datasheet, and write the count for this species next to it. See example below. The completed datasheet can then be returned to BirdLife Australia by mail to the address at the end of this document. Alternatively, the datasheets can be scanned electronically, and then ed back to BirdLife Australia as an attachment. BirdLife staff or volunteers will then enter the observations and other details into the database. We can you a blank Atlas datasheet or post you some hard copies. Fabricated examples of completed Atlas datasheets can also be ed to you for guidance. 4

5 2. Direct entry of bird observations into Birdata Birdata is an online database managed by BirdLife Australia for documenting (and later analysing) bird observations collected from across all Australian states and territories. Anybody can register to become a Birdata submitter, and then commence entering their bird observations from particular locations and defined time-periods. There are two main ways for entering your observations from a plot into data via a phone app (available for both Apple and Android systems), or through the website ( There is no specific Birds on Farms portal in Birdata. Instead, enter your observations through the General Birdata Survey portal. When entering your survey results from a plot into Birdata, it will make it much easier for the BirdLife Australia staff to find the information later if you submit it with an appropriate location name. For these Birds on Farm surveys, we request that the location name for a plot that includes BOF (for Birds on Farms) followed by the unique T-code identification number. For example, a survey plot with the unique identification code of T123 would have a location name entered into Birdata as BOF-T123. BirdLife staff will provide these codes to you prior to surveys being conducted. A set of instructions can be provided for people who wish to use Birdata, but are unsure how to do so. First time users will also need to register. Frequently Asked Questions: Do I need to count the number of individuals of each species seen? Yes, please. For scientific analysis of the data, it is more useful if we also have counts for each bird species detected within the survey plot. We recognise that there are regular occasions when it is tricky to get an accurate count (e.g., when there are large numbers of small-to-medium sized birds moving erratically in the canopy; when a group of birds moves quickly through a thick understorey). On these occasions, it is fine for you to provide your best estimate of the number of individuals, with a suggestion to err your estimate on the low side. Do I record birds that are only flying over the plot, but do not land within it? Sometimes. For the purpose of this study, we are interested in how birds are using the habitats within the plot. As such, there are occasions when birds in flight over a plot are still considered to be using the habitat, even if they don t land or perch within it during the 20 minute survey period. Conversely, there will also be groups of birds flying over a plot that have little or no interest in the habitat below them. Some examples of flying birds to include within the survey results: Eagles, falcons and other birds of prey that appear to be searching for prey items within the plot as they fly over it. Birds that are flying through the plot at either level of the tree canopy; below the canopy or just above the level of the tree canopy. These birds are probably using the vegetation cover to help protect them as they fly through. They may also be seeking suitable food resources within the plot or patrolling their territory. 5

6 Examples of flying birds not to include within the survey results: Birds that are just flying over a plot on route to more suitable habitats elsewhere. An example would be a flock of corellas flying over a revegetation plot as they move from one nearby grassy paddock to another. Another example would be a waterbird flying over a plot that doesn t contain any waterbodies or waterways. There will also be some situations where it is difficult or impossible to determine whether a flying bird should be included in the results for a plot or not. In these situations, it is better to err on the side of caution and therefore include the birds within the plot results. If there is a particularly interesting bird flying over that has been excluded from the plot results, feel free to include it separately in the notes or lodge it as a separate incidental survey. If I am uncertain of the identification of a bird, should I include it in my results? No, but.. If you have any uncertainty about the identification of a bird species, then it s best not to include it within the official results. Instead, you could add some information into the notes section about what it looked like or what you think it could be. You could also take photos or capture audio recordings, and send these to BirdLife Australia or other local birding experts for assistance later on. Don t feel disheartened by this. There are situations and species for which even the most experienced birdwatcher may struggle to accurately and confidently identify a species. For example, a quiet raven seen flying overhead briefly could be 2 or 3 different species depending on the part of Victoria you are in. A small grey bird moving quickly across your path or through the understorey is another difficult situation. Active mixed-species foraging flocks, juvenile birds, males birds in non-breeding plumage, and rare or unusual species will also provide a good challenge. It is reasonable to occasionally put a 20 minute survey on hold for a brief time to clarify an identification (e.g. spending 5 minutes or so checking through a bird field guide or phone app), and then resuming the 20 minute survey once you ve identified it (or given up!). But, if you re not certain on a bird s identification, then leave it out of the survey results. It is also notable that Birdata does have a small number of options for bird groupings to be recorded as part of a survey. For example, corella spp., fairy-wren spp., small wader spp., crow and raven spp., where spp. refers to more than one possible species. Do I record any birds that have been seen outside of the 2 hectare plot? No. As part of the official survey results, please only record birds from within the boundary of a plot. If a rare or unusual bird is seen outside of a plot, instead record it on a separate datasheet or in Birdata as a new incidental survey. If there is a group of birds where some individuals are within the plot boundaries and others which are just beyond it, only count those individuals using habitat within the plot boundaries. 6

7 Do I record birds that are only heard, but not seen? Sometimes. If you hear a distinctive bird call, you can include it within the survey results if you are confident that (a) you can accurately identify it based on its call alone, and (b) it is calling from within the plot boundaries. Based on the calls heard, please also include your best estimate of the number of different individuals present. If you are uncertain about the identification of the bird that you heard calling, then attempt to find it and identify it by sight so that it can be included in the results. Don t include it in the survey results if you are unable to either locate the bird and/or identify it accurately. Don t be disheartened if you can t work it which bird the call has come from this happens to every birdwatcher on occasions. If you are able to record some audio of the call, this might be a way to get some support later with identification from BirdLife Australia or other birdwatcher friends. Most smartphones have a function that allows you to record short sections of audio. Do I record birds that were seen in the plot before or after the official 20 minute survey period, but not within the 20 minutes? No. As part of the official survey results for a plot, please only record bird species and their abundance during the 20 minute time period. If it is an interesting bird observation made only outside of the 20 minute survey period, instead record it as an incidental observation on a separate datasheet or in Birdata. Do I need to undertake the surveys at a particular time of day? Surveys can be undertaken at any time from dawn to dusk. However, to maximise the diversity and abundance of birds seen during a survey, early-tomid morning or later in the afternoon are recommended as the best times as this is when birds tend to be most active. This is particularly relevant in warm-to-hot conditions, when birds are less active in the middle of the day. However, these preferred times of the day will frequently be unfeasible for observers and landholders so we are fine with surveys undertaken at any time during daylight hours. Do weather conditions affect the detectability of birds during a survey? Yes. There are weather conditions that are less productive for bird observation and can also be uncomfortable or unsafe for the observer. For example, you will usually see fewer birds on very windy days; when there is heavy rain and/or thunderstorms, and in very high temperatures. If possible, it s better to avoid surveying in these sub-optimal weather conditions. However, if it is not possible to avoid them (e.g., there is only one day that both you and the landholder are available), then you could go ahead with the surveys and add a short note about the weather conditions on the datasheet or when entering results directly into Birdata. 7

8 Should I record any bird breeding behaviour? Yes. One of the greatest compliments that a native bird can give to an area of habitat is to attempt to breed within it. This tells us that the bird considers the habitat to have sufficient food resources, protective cover and other features to support to one of the most challenging tasks that they undertake. A successful breeding attempt is also an indication of good conditions in a healthy habitat. Thus we are also interested in any observations of breeding that you see within a plot such as an adult bird building a nest, sitting on a nest or looking after nestlings. Very young birds that have recently fledged (e.g., poor fliers, highly dependent on adult care, underdeveloped feathers) are also indicators that nesting has occurred nearby. However, birds are also very sensitive to human disturbance during breeding, even if this disturbance is unintentional. As such, we request that surveyors follow BirdLife Australia s policy on ethical birdwatching ( Guidelines.pdf). In practice this means minimising the time spent by surveyors near nests once they are detected and avoiding other actions that might result in a reduced nesting success rate. If you are submitting hard copy datasheets, then mark the B symbol next to the relevant species name. You can add also a short description either next to the bird s name or in the comments section at the bottom of the second page. When you are entering your bird observations for a plot into Birdata, it provides a series of options for the different types of breeding behaviour that you ve observed for each species. The default setting is none. If you ve seen breeding behaviour, you can change this to the setting that best suits your observation. (By clicking on the? symbol next to the dropdown box, you ll be provided with definitions for the different breeding behaviours). You can also add in extra comments in the notes section for that species. 8

9 Should I document the water level of any dams or creeklines within the plot? Optional. Some of the plots have wetlands, farm dams or waterways occurring within them. The level of water, if any, will have an influence on the diversity and abundance of birds detected. Both the Atlas datasheet and the Birdata database have an optional question that allows you to record the water levels present during a survey into one of five categories: Dry Below Capacity Mud/Sand flats exposed At capacity Flooding For relevant plots with waterbodies, we encourage you to record the level of water present during each visit. Habitat Assessment surveys A habitat assessment for is to be filled out for each plot. This habitat form only needs to be completed once usually at the time of the first set of surveys. It takes only 5 or so minutes to complete this form for each plot, and can be done before or after the 20 minute survey period. Let us know if you have any questions about the form. Also make sure that you add the relevant plot identification code number (i.e., the T codes) onto the form. If the habitat condition changes dramatically between surveys at a plot, it may be necessary to complete a new habitat assessment form. Please ask us if you are uncertain. Some examples of when it may be appropriate to fill out a new habitat form for a plot include: A severe storm or bushfire has changed the vegetation structure Some new revegetation plantings or other restoration works have recently been undertaken. The livestock grazing regime has been changed. Completed habitat forms can be ed/faxed or posted back to BirdLife Australia. 9

10 Health and Safety considerations when undertaking surveys Prior to conducting surveys we require you to read through the BOF Risk Assessment. In addition, please consider the following when visiting farms to undertake these surveys: If you have one, carry a First Aid kit with you (or in the car) preferably one with a snake bite compression bandage Undertake the surveys in groups of two or more where possible Wear long pants and/or gaiters if you have them Let someone know what date you plan to visit the farm, and when you plan to return Take a GPS with you. Most smart phones now have a GPS built into them, and we ve found that a good GPS app is HandyGPS, but there are other similar ones available. Bring water and snacks with you Wear appropriate clothing for the forecast conditions. This includes sunscreen, sun-smart clothing and sturdy shoes, and also warm clothing and rain-jackets in the colder, wetter months. Be wary and respectful of livestock (if applicable). Speak with the landholder about any issues before each survey period. Leave any gates as they were. If opening a gate, always close it fully afterwards, even if only for a short time. Only drive across paddocks with the landholder s permission, and if you are comfortable to do so. Look out for wet patches and uneven terrain. Talk to landowner about access and the suitability of tracks. And, importantly, have fun out there watching and learning about birds on farms. Please contact us if you have any queries about the methods, or the Birds on Farms program in general. Chris Timewell (chris.timewell@birdlife.org.au) Woodland Bird Project Coordinator BirdLife Australia Suite 2-05, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton VIC 3053 Mobile Telephone extension 234 Fax Version 18 April