Point count survey data for birds in the east of England, UK, in 2013

The data were collected between May and August 2013 in Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes, UK. A subset of 500m x 500m survey tiles (n = 116) were selected from across the three towns using a stratified sampling design. Point count methods were then used to survey birds at up to four pre-defined survey points within each tile. All tiles were visited six or seven times; two visits were made between 06:00am and 10:00am in May and June and all other visits were made monthly between 10:00am and 18:00pm. During each visit, ten minute point counts were conducted at all survey points within the tile in a random order. Over two-minute intervals, observers recorded all birds seen or heard within five distance categories or in flight. Birds singing and not singing were recorded separately. The survey conditions and the numbers of people observed during each observation period were also recorded. (see Supporting documentation for details, available by 31 December 2018 at the latest)

Several data inputters were used to digitally input the field data sheets. Then the completed dataset was compiled, error checked and validated. These were converted to csv files for deposit to the data centre.

Related datasets

Point count survey data for birds in the East of England, UK, in 2014

This dataset is included in the following collections

Ecological data and ecosystem services model output data from a South Midlands study area by the Fragments, Flows and Urban Ecosystem Services (F3UES) project