Variation in Bird Detection Probabilities and Abundances Among Different Point Count Durations and Plot Sizes
Avian points counts are commonly used to inventory bird species composition and abundance. When designing a study to inventory birds using point counts, point plot size and count duration are 2 variables that must be considered based on project goals. We conducted double-observer point counts on the Camp Dawson Collective Training Area, Preston County, West Virginia, during 2000 and 2001 to ascertain how detection probabilities and abundance estimates are affected by different plot sizes and durations. We conducted point counts from dawn to 1000 hours, and sub-tallied birds into different...
