A Comparison of Auditory Survey Methods on Michigan's Resident Owls: Passive vs. Call-Broadcast

A Comparison of Auditory Survey Methods on Michigan's Resident Owls: Passive vs. Call-Broadcast

Point-count surveys of avian species are commonly used to estimate relative abundance and to determine population trends over regional areas. Two auditory survey methods (passive and call-broadcast) can be utilized to detect singing individuals during point-counts. The use of call-broadcasts has shown an increase in the detection of many bird species by stimulating vocalizations. It is not known which method is more effective at detecting Michigan’s resident owl species such as the great horned (Bubo virginianus), barred (Strix varia) and eastern screech (Megascops asio). A total of 46 point-counts within the Upper and Lower Peninsulas were conducted between 15 February 2013 and 12 May 2013. One barred owl vocalization was detected during the passive-listening portion of the study and six barred owl vocalizations were detected during call-broadcasts. There were no great horned owl or eastern screech owl vocalizations detected during this study. There was no significant difference between using the call-broadcast method or passive listening method. It is recommended that seasonal variation in vocalization and habitat characteristics for each species be looked at prior to conducting point-count surveys.

Creed, Selena

Biology

Lake Superior State University

2013

Copyright Selena Creed : All rights reserved. LSSU use only.

application/pdf

English

text.monograph

S20221222001

8.5" X 11"
12pp

Paper