Methods

General Methods
Breeding Evidence Codes
Habitat Codes
Source

General Methods

Sampling & coverage of blocks
Each block consisted of 1/6 of a USGS 7.5 minute topographic quad. The center-west (CW) block was designated as the priority block for each quad. 998 of 1018 priority blocks and 288 non-priority blocks were sampled. View blocks in the Mapping Tool >>
Coordination of coverage
Management of this project was accomplished with the help of county coordinators.

Breeding Evidence Codes

Code	Code description (see handbook for full description & use suggestions)
OB Category - Observed: not breeding evidence
O	Species (male or female) observed in a block during its breeding season with no evidence of breeding. Not in suitable nesting habitat. Includes species such as vultures or raptors flying over, or a colonial nesting species not at a nesting colony.
PO Category - possible breeding evidence
E	Species (male or female) observed in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season.
X	Singing male present in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season.
PR Category - probable breeding evidence
M	Multiple males (7 or more) singing in suitable habitat during the species' breeding season.
P	Pair observed in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season.
T	Permanent territory presumed through defense of territory (e.g. chasing individuals of the same species).
C	Courtship behavior or copulation.
N	Visiting probable nest site.
A	Agitated behavior or anxiety calls from adult.
B	Nest building by wrens or excavation of holes by woodpeckers.
CO Category - confirmed evidence of breeding
NB	Nest building at the actual nest site.
PE	Physiological evidence of breeding, e.g. highly vascularized, edematous brood patch or egg in oviduct based on bird in hand. (For banders.)
DD	Distraction display or injury feigning.
UN	Used nests or egg shells found. Must be carefully identified, if they are to be accepted.
FL	Recently fledged young (either precocial or altricial) incapable of sustained flight, restricted to natal area by dependence on adults or limited mobility.
ON	Adults entering or leaving a nest site in circumstances indicating occupied nest. To be used for nests which are too high (e.g. the tops of trees) or enclosed (e.g. chimneys) for the contents to be seen.
FS	Adult carrying fecal sac.
FY	Adult feeding recently fledged young.
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 - December 2008; Content - various, depending on atlas.
Page generated on: 24-May-2013