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. By a random choice, the south-east (SE) block was designated as the priority block for each quad, except where the block fell mostly or entirely outside the state. In such cases, another block was designated as the priority block. Of the approximately 2700 blocks, 516 were targeted as priority or special blocks. View blocks in the Mapping Tool >>
Coordination of coverage
Management of this project was accomplished with the help of the coordinators in 11 districts.

Breeding Evidence Codes

Code	Code description (see handbook for full description & use suggestions)
PO Category - possible breeding evidence
O	Species (male or female) observed in a block during its breeding season, but no evidence of breeding. Not in suitable nesting habitat.
X	Singing male present in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season.
PR Category - probable breeding evidence
A	Agitated behavior or anxiety calls from adult.
P	Pair observed in suitable nesting habitat within safe dates.
T	Permanent territory presumed through either defense (e.g. chasing of other birds) or song at same location on at least 2 occasions 7 days or more apart.
C	Courtship behavior or copulation.
N	Visiting probable nest site.
B	Nest building by wrens or excavation of holes by woodpeckers.
M	7 or more singing males of a species observed in suitable nesting habitat within safe dates.
CO Category - confirmed evidence of breeding
DD	Distraction display or injury feigning.
NB	Nest building by any species except wrens and woodpeckers.
PE	Physiological evidence of breeding, e.g. highly vascularized, edematous brood patch or egg in oviduct based on bird in hand. (For banders.)
UN	Used nest found. Must be carefully identified if it is to be accepted.
FL	Recently fledged young (of altricial species) incapable of sustained flight or downy young (of precocial species) restricted to the natal area by dependance on adults or limited mobility.
FS	Adult carrying fecal sac.
FY	Adult carrying food for young.
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.
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: 21-May-2013