The Migration Monitoring Program is a standardized study to be undertaken annually, during Spring and Fall migration season, providing the basis for long-term trend analysis of bird populations. It is intended to be compatible with the aims and methodology of the Canadian Migration Monitoring Network.
The MMP consists of standardized banding and census, general observations of birds, and generation of a standardized Daily Estimated Total (DET) for each species for each day covered by the program. The resulting data are archived with Birds Canada and made available to researchers through the NatureCounts website.
Program Objectives
The purpose of the Migration Monitoring Program at McGill Bird Observatory is to obtain data on neotropical migrant and other landbird species, in a scientifically rigorous manner, in order to contribute to continent-wide efforts to monitor changes in population levels of these species.
- Trend analysis of bird population
- Molt migration pattern
- Delay in migration arrival and departure
- Proportion of juvenile migrant
- Establishment of migration route and pattern
- Research project partnership
- Morphometric data
Spring
Lasts 14 weeks :
August 1 – November 6
The Spring Migration Monitoring Program (SMMP) is a standardized study to be undertaken annually.
The program involves daily monitoring , including a standardized census, banding, and incidental observations.
Fall
Lasts 14 weeks :
August 1 – November 6
The Fall Migration Monitoring Program (FMMP) is a standardized study to be undertaken at MBO annually.
The program involves daily monitoring, including a standardized census, banding, and incidental observations.
Protocol
The purpose of the Migration Monitoring Program is to obtain data on neotropical migrant and other landbird species, in a scientifically rigorous manner, in order to contribute to continent-wide efforts to monitor changes in population levels of these species.
The written field protocol for MBO is designed to ensure that staff follow the same procedures from day to day and year to year despite changes in those involved.
Results
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Banding total: 600
Volunteering Positions
Scribe / Net assistant
Data Entry : Responsible for ensuring that all necessary data is obtained and recorded.
Net assistant : Assist extractors by giving them empty bags, holding bags containing birds, setting up or taking down nets, and carrying materials (birds, bags, etc.) between nets and the banding station.
Census Observer
Duties: Conduct the one-hour morning census.
Requirements: Be able to identify the majority of birds by both by sight and sound (Class 1 observer, defined as being able to identify more than 75% of species). In order to ensure the smooth running of our protocol, we are very strict on the knowledge required to allow a new volunteer to be a census taker.
Site Maintenance
Since we are working on a standardize protocol, the habitat must be keep similar each year. We have to do a lot of site maintenance during and between the migration seasons.
- Mowing the lawn
- Cut trees and shrubs
- Keeping the path clean
- Installing and removing the nets
- Cleaning nestboxes
Extractor in training
Safety wise, the extraction process is the most critical, as this is the stage where the potential for injury is greatest. Only those who have demonstrated a very high level of skill are allowed to extract birds alone.
Tasks: Remove birds from nets safely and efficiently, recognize birds that need priority extraction, and assess the condition of the bird throughout the extraction process.
No prior experience is needed to be trained to become an extractor. But some essential skills are recquire to assure the birds safety during the training process.
Requirements: Patience. Problem-solving skills. Humility. Be willing to ask for help. Handle carefully, never abruptly. Most birds caught at MBO are small and must be handled gently.
