Avian Point Count Data

Overview

An avian point count is a commonly used method in avian research for monitoring bird populations. It is well suited for estimating avian density and population size, as well as assessing population trends and species-habitat relationships. 

Point counts consist of a single observer standing in a fixed position during a specific period of time to count and identify all birds detected by sight and sound. Point counts generally take place early in the morning when birds are most active.

Point counts are carried out following the protocol established for a specific project. Each project has predetermined point count locations and specific methods (distance and duration protocol). Distance and duration protocols set the bands of distance (0m-50m-100m-INF) and interval of time (0-3min-5min). During the point count, bird abundance is identified at the species level. The observer is encouraged to estimate the distance away from the observer that each bird is first detected using the appropriate distance band (i.e., 0m-50m). Duration interval to which the bird is first detected is also recorded (i.e., 3min-5min). The date and time of the point count conducted is also collected.

Types of Point Counts

Many national, provincial, and regional efforts conduct point count surveys across Canada and the U.S in order to assess population estimates. Examples of long-term monitoring program at the national scale are:

The Breeding Bird Atlases

Atlases are a partnership between Birds Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, provincial governments, natural history organizations, the private sector, and thousands of volunteer Citizen Scientists. Point count surveys are completed at the provincial scale following a standardized protocol in order to map breeding bird distribution and relative abundance across the country. Breeding bird atlases have been conducted in BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and the Maritimes. There are current efforts to have atlases in Newfoundland and Ontario.

Breeding Birds Survey

The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) started in 1966. It consists of point counts conducted along roads by volunteer participants once a year and for as many years as possible. Predetermined roadside routes are surveyed. Each survey route is approximately 39.4 km long with 50 point count situated ideally 0.8 km apart. At each stop, a 3-minute point count is conducted. During the count, every bird seen or heard within a 0.4 km radius is recorded. The data are freely available and are used by governmental organizations to estimate bird population trends, relative abundance and species composition and richness at the local, regional and continental scale.

eBird

eBird is a worldwide database of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Birders enter and track their bird sightings during their outing by filling out a checklist using a user-friendly mobile app. Data on eBird can be useful to many people. In particular, they allow other ornithologists to learn about the birds in a specific area, researchers and conservation specialists to follow population trends, and educators to introduce their students to birds and the scientific process.

How and where to access these data

Over the years, significant efforts were undertaken in order to facilitate data discovery and accessibility of point count data. Many platforms have assembled, harmonized and archived avian point count data to ease the accessibility by the users. WildTrax is one of the platforms that handles avian point count data in an harmonized downloadable format. It includes projects from researchers, government, industry and private sectors. 

Birds Canada organization uses NatureCounts platform to store all data related to the Breeding Birds Atlases. Some projects need permission to be granted by the organization prior to downloading the data. Other ways to access the data are through ScienceBase and the eBird platform (note that NatureCounts pulls eBird data each year for Canada).