Mountain Birdwatch Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates of the survey?

The survey is conducted on an early morning between June 1 and 21. This period corresponds with the seasonal peak in vocal activity of mountain songbirds. You have the flexibility to choose a good weather day in this period that works with your schedule.

What time is the survey?

Begin your survey between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m. and complete it, if possible, before 6:30 a.m. An early start is important because the frequency of bird vocalizations declines as the morning progresses. The decline is particularly abrupt for BITH on small mountains, where vocalizations may be infrequent after 5:00 a.m. Including travel time between listening stations, the survey should take between 75 and 90 minutes.

How am I going to get there at such an early hour?

Some Mountain Birdwatchers choose to hike to the starting point before dawn by the light of a headlamp or flashlight. Others elect to camp nearby on the night before the survey. Whichever approach you choose, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time, exercise safety precautions, and observe local camping regulations.

Can I bring along a friend?

As a safety measure, we encourage you to invite a friend to join you. However, it is important that you perform the counts on your own, without assistance from your companion. The consistent use of a single, trained observer increases the reliability of monitoring results. Whether working alone or with a friend, be sure to move quietly between survey stations to avoid spooking the birds.

Can I bring along my dog?

It is important that you are quiet during the survey so you don't disturb the birds. It is best to leave the dog at home or ask a friend to come with you and care for your dog on a different part of the trail while you conduct the survey.

How do I locate the survey stations?

Because the survey stations are not (and should not be) flagged, locating the same points each year can be a challenge. Consult the map and point descriptions provided for your route. The five survey stations are located roughly 250m or 325 steps apart. Each point is described using enduring and distinctive features such as boulders, stream channels, etc. Navigation by GPS is possible on those routes for which coordinates are provided.

Should I take photos and use a GPS unit to identify my point count stations?

By all means! Photographs and exact coordinates will help pinpoint survey locations in the future. Print photos are useful and welcome, however digital or scanned photos in PC-format are preferred. Digital photos can be submitted on CD or via email. Please note the compass bearing of each photo. For GPS locations, report your unit's settings (map datum and coordinate system), as well as the estimate of each point's error, if available.

In what weather conditions should the survey be conducted?

The route should be run in temperatures above 35º F and when rain and wind do not interfere with the intensity or audibility of bird sounds. Occasional drizzle or a brief shower is acceptable, but steady drizzle or prolonged rain is not. A light wind is acceptable, but a breeze blowing strong enough so that small trees sway (>20 mph) is not.

What if I can't complete the main survey or a follow-up search for Bicknell's Thrush?

Foul weather, busy lives, and unforeseeable events sometimes conspire to frustrate the most intrepid Mountain Birdwatcher. If you know in advance that you will be unable to complete the main survey or a follow-up search for BITH, please notify the project coordinator ASAP. It may be possible to arrange a substitute. If you miss the main survey window without the opportunity to notify the project coordinator, proceed with an audio playback search for BITH, using the follow-up survey protocols.

How do I submit my data?

Make copies of your field data for your files. Complete the mail-in checklist. Finally, mail the checklist with the requested information, as soon as possible, to:

Mountain Birdwatch
Vermont Institute of Natural Science
6565 Woodstock Rd.
P.O. Box 1281
Quechee, VT 05059

How do I contact the Mountain Birdwatch Coordinator?

Email info@vinsweb.org or call (802) 359-5000 li>

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