Fixed radius point counts are a commonly used method to evaluate avian species diversity and relative abundance at a site. During point counts, every bird seen or heard within a fixed distance from a survey point are recorded during a fixed time interval (usually a 5-minute period). Point counts are typically conducted during the Spring when breeding birds are most active. During breeding season most bird species are highly territorial and/or are actively advertising the extent of their territory or their availablity for mating via songs. Plateau Ecological has over a dozen years of experience conducting breeding bird surveys in the Southeastern United States. As many birds are difficult to observe, extensive training is necessary to develop the skill sets required to identify all local bird species by sight or by sound.

Knowledge of bird ecology is also a great aid in performing bird surveys. Knowing what species of birds utilize specific habitats is a quick way to limit the possible choices for what kind of bird was just seen darting into a nearby shrub or that was heard singing from the top of a pine tree.  More information on point count methodology is available here.

In addition to traditional breeding-season survey work, some land managers are interested in the composition of birds wintering at a site. Species composition in the winter often varies significantly from the summer birds as many of the birds may have migrated away from the site to the tropics for the winter, while other birds that spent the summer farther north may now be present to overwinter at the location. Wintering birds are identified primarily by sight as birds are rarely territorial during the winter months. Coloration of birds is often muted in winter as birds have grown in warmer plumage that is not needed to advertise their presence or vitality, so wintertime visual identification can be especially difficult.

Blue-headed Vireo, Vireo solitarius, in a suspended nest. The white things are spider egg cases added for decoration.

Plateau Ecological is experienced in performing both summer and winter bird surveys and in preparing reports documenting species trends on a site, comparing trends to regional or national data, and making management recommendations based on the species present (or absent), available habitat, and compatible land-use practices. We have done bird surveys from Tennessee to Minnesota. Contact us today for your bird survey needs!