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Washington 1987-1996

Methods


General Methods
Sampling & coverage of blocks

Washington was divided into approximately 6mi x 6 mi grids based on the township/range system. Each grid was further divided into four 3mi x 3mi blocks. Blocks covered were chosen by the observers.


View blocks in the Mapping Tool >>

Coordination of coverage

Breeding Evidence Codes
Code Code description  (see handbook for full description & use suggestions)
OB Category - Observed: not breeding evidence
18 Species (male or female) observed in its breeding season with no evidence of breeding.
PO Category - possible breeding evidence
17 Species (male or female) observed in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season.
16 7 or more singing males of a species observed during a single visit during their breeding season.
PR Category - probable breeding evidence
15 Singing male present (or breeding calls heard) on more than one date in the same place.
14 Pair observed in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season.
13 Bird (or pair) apparently holding territory.
12 Courtship behavior, copulation, cloacal protuberance.
11 Visiting probable nest site.
10 Agitated behavior or anxiety calls from adult.
9 Nest building or excavation of a nest hole.
CO Category - confirmed evidence of breeding
8 Physiological evidence of breeding, e.g. highly vascularized, edematous brood patch or egg in oviduct based on bird in hand. (For banders.)
7 Distraction display or injury feigning.
6 Used nests or egg shells found. Must be carefully identified, if they are to be accepted.
5 Recently fledged young incapable of sustained flight.
4 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.
3 Adult carrying food for young.
2 Adult carrying fecal sac.
1 Nest with eggs or young found, 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