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Delaware 2008-2012

Methods


General Methods
Sampling & coverage of blocks

Each block consists of 1/6 of a USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad. All 222 blocks are expected to be surveyed.

Coordination of coverage

Breeding Evidence Codes
Code Code description  (see handbook for full description & use suggestions)
OB Category - Observed: not breeding evidence
E Individual of any species which may breed in Delaware, but observed outside of safe dates and not exhibiting breeding behavior.
O Individual of a species (male or female) observed in a block during its safe dates, but no evidence of breeding, not in suitable nesting habitat. Inculdes a wide range of species such as vultures or immature raptors and colonial nesting species not at the nesting colony.
PO Category - possible breeding evidence
X Single singing male present in suitable nesting habitat during its safe dates.
PR Category - probable breeding evidence
P Pair (male and female) observed in suitable habitat during the species' safe dates.
S Permanent territory presumed through song at same location on at least two occasion, 7 days or more apart and both observations within safe dates.
T Permanent territory presumed through defense of territory withing safe dates, such as chasing of individuals of the same species or 2 or more males of the same species counter-singing.
C Courtship behavior or copulation observed, except with certain species not known to breed.
N Species observed visiting probable nest site, such as repeated flights into and out of a particular area where the bird may potentially nest.
A Agitated behavior or anxiety calls from adult birds. Does not include behavior instigated through pishing or tape recorded calls.
B Nest building by wrens or excavation of holes by woodpeckers.
U Used nests or eggshells found.
CO Category - confirmed evidence of breeding
CN Carrying nesting material, such as sticks or grass.
NB Nest building at the actual nest site.
PE Physiological evidence of breeding (obtained by an experienced bander in regards to live birds, or by specialists in the case of a recently deceased bird).
DD Distraction display or injury feigning (i.e., Killdeer).
FL Precocial young or recently fledged young (precocial or altricial) incapable of sustained flight, restricted to an area though dependence on adults or limited mobility.
ON Occupied nest, including adults entering and leaving cavity nest too high to observe and sitting birds which may be brooding young rather than incubating eggs.
AY Attending young. Adults carrying food for young, feeding young (including recently fledged young), adults removing fecal sacs from nesting site.
NE Nest with egg(s).
NY Nest with young seen or heard.
Habitat Codes
- - this atlas does not record habitat on the field card - -

Where this information came from
Most of the information on this page is from the project's publication or Handbook (guide for field work).
U.S. Department of the Interior || U.S. Geological Survey || Patuxent Wildlife Research Center  Laurel, MD, USA 20708-4038
This site is: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bba
Information contained in this application does not necessarily have the endorsement of USGS.
Contact: mwimer@usgs.gov

Last updated: Site - May 2014; Content - various, depending on atlas.
Page generated on: 19-Mar-2024