Hello all:
The first few maps of relative abundance are now available on the atlas
web page. The maps are presented so you can compare the breeding
evidence data with the data from point counts. There are some
fascinating patterns emerging:
http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/pointcountmaps.html
For species such as Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow and Red-eyed Vireo, quite a
different picture is presented from the two different maps. The
patterns within the relative abundance maps are also interesting to look
at. Note lighter areas (ie lower relative abundance) that show up around
Windsor and Burlington on the relative abundance map of American Crow.
This corresponds to the areas that were hit the hardest by West Nile
Virus in 2002. And, see the circle of higher relative abundance around
Dundalk (Grey County) in both the Wilson's Snipe and Swamp Sparrow
maps? On land use maps, this area corresponds with a higher density of
wetland per square km.
It's the first time we've seen this type of information for the bird
populations in Ontario and it's very exciting. Many thanks to the Point
Count Subcommittee for their work, particularly to Kevin Middel
(Ministry of Natural Resources), Bruce Pond (Ministry of Natural
Resources) and Andrew Couturier (Bird Studies Canada) for producing the
maps.
Note that the maps are draft and will continue to develop and fill in as
more point counts are completed and included in the analysis and as
methods of analysis and mapping are finalized.
Remember that the acceptable period for point counts (May 24 to July 10)
has officially
started- enjoy!
If you would like to help out with data collection, there is still
plenty of exciting atlassing to do. Contact your Regional Coordinator
http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/contactreg.html or contact our office
at 1-866-900-7100, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Happy atlassing,
Mike and Nicole
--
MIke Cadman
Coordinator, Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas
Blackwood Hall, Room 211
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON
N1G 2W1
Phone 519-826-2094
Fax 519-826-2113
E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
