| Abstract: | Point counts are a standard sampling procedure for many bird species, but lingering concerns still exist about the quality of information produced from the method. It is well known that variation in observer ability and environmental conditions can influence the detection probability of birds in point counts, but many biologists have been reluctant to abandon point counts in favor of more intensive approaches to counting. However, over the past few years a variety of statistical and methodological developments have begun to provide practical ways of overcoming some of the problems with point counts. We describe some of these approaches, and show how they can be integrated into standard point count protocols to greatly enhance the quality of the information. Several tools now exist for estimation of detection probability of birds during counts, including distance sampling, double observer methods, time-depletion (removal) methods, and hybrid methods that combine these approaches. Many counts are conducted in habitats that make auditory detection of birds much more likely than visual detection. As a framework for understanding detection probability during such counts, we propose separating two components of the probability a bird is detected during a count into (1) the probability a bird vocalizes during the count and (2) the probability this vocalization is detected by an observer. In addition, we propose that some measure of the area sampled during a count is necessary for valid inferences about bird populations. This can be done by employing fixed-radius counts or more sophisticated distance-sampling models. We recommend any studies employing point counts be designed to estimate detection probability and to include a measure of the area sampled. |
| Genre: | Book chapter |
| ProdID: | 5211328 |
| Citation Author: | Farnsworth, G.L.; Nichols, J. D.; Sauer, J.R.; Fancy, S. G.; Pollock, K. H.; Shriner, S.A.; Simons, T. R. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Citation Datum: | |
| Citation Day: | |
| Citation Edition: | |
| Citation Editor: | Ralph, C. John; Rich, Terrell D. (editors) |
| Citation End Page: | 743 |
| Citation Issue: | |
| Citation Keywords: | |
| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference 2002 |
| Citation LatN: | |
| Citation LatS: | |
| Citation LonE: | |
| Citation LonW: | |
| Citation Month: | |
| Citation No Pagination: | |
| Citation Number Of Pages: | |
| Citation Online Only Flag: | |
| Citation Phsyical Description: | 2 volumes: xiv, 1296 |
| Citation Projection: | |
| Citation Public Comments: | Conference held March 20-24, 2002, Asilomar, California PDF on file: 6515_Farnsworth.pdf |
| Citation Publisher: | U. S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station |
| Citation Series: | General Technical Report |
| Citation Series Code: | |
| Citation Series Number: | |
| Citation Search Results Text: | Statistical approaches to the analysis of point count data: A little extra information can go a long way; 2005; Book chapter; Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference 2002; Farnsworth, G.L.; Nichols, J. D.; Sauer, J.R.; Fancy, S. G.; Pollock, K. H.; Shriner, S.A.; Simons, T. R. |
| Citation Start Page: | 736 |
| Citation Volume: | |
| Citation Year: | 2005 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Statistical approaches to the analysis of point count data: A little extra information can go a long way; 2005; Book chapter; Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference 2002; Farnsworth, G.L.; Nichols, J. D.; Sauer, J.R.; Fancy, S. G.; Pollock, K. H.; Shriner, S.A.; Simons, T. R. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (DOCUMENT): | http://site.xavier.edu/farnsworth/PIF_proceedings.pdf |
| Date Other: | Tue, 9 Jun 2009 09:23 -0500 |
| Publisher: | U. S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station |
