Mountain Birdwatch Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the survey?
The survey is conducted on an early morning during the month of June. This period corresponds with the seasonal peak in vocal activity of mountain songbirds. You have the flexibility to choose a good weather day in this period that works with your schedule.
What time is the survey?
Observers should begin the survey 45 minutes before dawn and finish before 8am.
How do I locate the survey stations?
You will be provided with GPS coordinates for each point along your route. In addition, when you are assigned a route you will be proveded with descriptions of each point and 1-2 pictures of each survey location. Additional photos of each point are available online. Where permitted, a small metal tree tag is affixed to the back of a tree at each point; these tags are meant to confirm the exact location of each survey station, not find the site.
Do I need a GPS unit to find my point count stations?
Since it is essential that MBW surveys are conducted at the exact same locations each year, we highly recommend that you navigate to each point using a GPS and confirm your location using the pictures and descriptions provided. However, if you don't have access to GPS, it should be possible to locate your survey stations using only the verbal descriptions and pictures.
In what weather conditions should the survey be conducted?
The route should be run in temperatures above 35º F and when rain and wind do not interfere with the intensity or audibility of bird sounds. Occasional drizzle or a brief shower is acceptable, but steady drizzle or prolonged rain is not. A light wind is acceptable, but a breeze blowing strong enough so that small trees sway (>20 mph) is not.
What if I can't complete my survey within the time frame?
It is essential that all surveys be conducted each year. However, we realize that life sometimes interferes with the best-laid plans; weekends become overscheduled or rain prevents a mountain ascent! If you find that you can't complete your survey route, please notify the Mountain Birdwatch director (email or phone) NO LATER THAN JUNE 21.
What are the major differences between MBW 1 and MBW 2.0 surveys?
There are 3 major differences between the original MBW volunteer protocol and the new volunteer survey protocol.
1. Target Species: In the past, volunteers have either surveyed for five species (Bicknell’s Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Winter Wren, Blackpoll Warbler, White-throated Sparrow) or for all bird species present. Under the new protocol, all volunteers will survey eleven target species, although note that not all species will be present in all areas:
Bicknell's Thrush
Swainson's Thrush
Hermit Thrush*
White-throated Sparrow
Fox Sparrow*
Winter Wren
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-capped chickadee*
Boreal Chickadee*
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher*
Red Squirrel*
*denotes new target species
2. Point Count Timing: In the past, volunteers have conducted 10 minute point counts at each survey station. In MBW 2.0, each point count will be 20 minutes long, with four five-minute subdivisions (and ten one-minute subdivisions for Bicknell’s Thrush).
3. No Playbacks: In the past, volunteers that have not detected Bicknell’s Thrush on their route have conducted playbacks to increase the likelihood of detecting present but silent birds. MBW 2.0 does not include any playbacks. Your legs will thank you during the hike for leaving that bulky playback gear at home!
Does Mountain Birdwatch 2.0 require playbacks?
Unlike the original Mountain Birdwatch protocol, MBW 2.0 does not involve any playbacks or follow-up visits.
How are data from the old Mountain Birdwatch routes being used?
Although the existing MBW routes will be discontinued, data from these routes will be extremely valuable into the future. Previous publications and reports document trends in high-elevation bird population, abundance, and occupancy, and these reports are used by federal, state, and non-profit organizations to make conservation decisions. In addition, Mountain Birdwatch data enabled VCE to construct an improved habitat model documenting the locations of potential Bicknell’s Thrush habitat. This model will allow conservation policy makers and landowners to make educated decisions regarding land use and preservation in this important habitat. The Mountain Birdwatch legacy carries over into the revised MBW2 program as well; information gained from more than a decade of citizen science effort allowed us to refine our route selection, randomly selecting from areas that are very likely to contain potential habitat for Bicknell’s Thrush.
Why can't I continue to survey my old route?
After three years of careful planning and consultations with statisticians, biologists, and conservationists, the Mountain Birdwatch leadership team decided to discontinue surveys on historic MBW routes. Although the data collected over the past decade has been extremely valuable, Mountain Birdwatch 2.0’s improvements will yield an even stronger conservation tool. Devoting all of our resources to this rigorous, powerful program will ultimately enable us to learn more about the species that live in this fragile habitat. Please contact the Mountain Birdwatch director to figure out which new Mountain Birdwatch route is best for you!
Why are there so few routes in New York and Vermont?
Although many Bicknell’s Thrush breed in New York and Vermont, and although many volunteers live in New York and Vermont, the actual available breeding habitat area is quite small compared to high-elevation areas in New Hampshire and Maine. In a computer-generated selection of routes across potential habitat, few routes were chosen in these areas, since the randomized selection procedure we used also ensured spatial balance. However, New York and Vermont contain the southernmost areas of Bicknell's Thrush breeding habitat, and these regions may show some of the earliest indications of climate change in montane spruce-fir forest. To ensure that we are able to detect these trends, in 2011 we will select and document additional routes in these two states. By 2012, these routes will be available for volunteer surveys.
How am I going to get to my route at such an early hour?
Some Mountain Birdwatchers choose to hike to the starting point before dawn by the light of a headlamp or flashlight. Others elect to camp nearby on the night before the survey. Whichever approach you choose, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time, exercise safety precautions, and observe local camping regulations.
Do you have suggestions to help me improve my birding skills?
Experience is the key to becoming a better birder. Begin becoming familiar with the birds in your backyard, then slowly expand to nearby birding locations and forests. Participate in bird walks through your local bird club or Audubon chapter (see links). Monitor local birding listserves to know what other people are seeing and learn about other good birding locations (www.birdingonthe.net has links to most of the birding listserves). If you come upon a sound you don't recognize, track the sound to its origin and watch the bird vocalize. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for identification help.
Can I bring along a friend?
As a safety measure, we encourage you to invite a friend to join you. However, it is important that you perform the counts on your own, without assistance from your companion. The consistent use of a single, trained observer increases the reliability of monitoring results. Whether working alone or with a friend, be sure to move quietly between survey stations to avoid spooking the birds.
Can I bring along my dog?
It is important that you are quiet during the survey so you don't disturb the birds. It is best to leave the dog at home or ask a friend to come with you and care for your dog on a different part of the trail while you conduct the survey.
How do I submit my data?
Online data submission is now available! On the Data Entry page of this website, log in with your 2011 account credentials or create an account. Under “Forms”, go to “Submit Observations”. You will submit one observation form per point.
We also ask that you photocopy your data sheets and send them to:
Judith Scarl
Mountain Birdwatch
Vermont Center for Ecostudies
PO Box 420
Norwich, VT 05055
How do I contact the Mountain Birdwatch Coordinator?
Email mbw AT vtecostudies.org or by phone at: 802-649-1431 Ext.7
