Observer Training Manual

BBS Methodology Training Review Questions

(New observers are asked to answer 20 randomly selected questions from the questions below.)

Which of the following are requirements for participation in the BBS? Choose all that apply. Excellent avian identification skills Audubon membership Good eyesight and hearing Successful completion of BBS training Suitable transportation Biology degree

At what time of day should a BBS route begin? noon local sunrise ½ hour after local sunrise ½ hour before local sunrise

BBS routes should be sampled once per year, primarily in June for most of the U.S. and Canada. True False

BBS routes may be conducted during heavy rains. True False

How many point count stops comprise a Breeding Bird Survey route? 15 25 50 30

Ideally, point count stop locations should be spaced at 0.25-mile (400-m) intervals. True False

When conducting a BBS route, when should weather conditions be recorded?

Pick all that apply and then click submit.

Stop 1 All stops Stop 50 Whenever weather conditions change

The North American Breeding Bird Survey began in what year? 1970 1996 1901 1966

How long should a BBS point count last at each stop? 5 minutes 3 minutes 2 minutes 10 minutes

The observer should count all birds seen within a 0.25-mile radius of the point, except dependent young and adults known or strongly suspected to have been recorded at a previous stop. True False

The observer should count all birds heard regardless of distance, unless known or strongly suspected to have been recorded at a previous stop. True False

An assistant may not help the observer with which one of the following BBS activities? counting vehicles recording data driving identifying & counting birds

Which methods of attracting birds are allowed while participating in the BBS? spishing tape playback baiting none

Flocks too large to be counted during the allowed time period should be estimated. True False

Non-breeding species like migrants, vagrants, and injured birds should be recorded on the data sheets and their status indicated. True False

Written documentation should be supplied for any rare or unusual species detected on a route. True False

There is no need for a BBS participant to scout the route prior to conducting the survey. True False

Stop locations may be moved up to a 0.1 mile (160 m), forward or back, to avoid an unsafe stop location. True False

It is necessary to follow all local traffic regulations pertaining to the proper and safe parking of vehicles along roadsides when participating in the BBS program. True False

Once a route is established, point counts should be conducted at the same stop locations each year? True False

To assist in locating the same stops each year, written stop descriptions should be produced and updated as needed by the observer, and a copy submitted to the BBS office. True False

How long are BBS routes under ideal conditions? 10.5 mi. (16.8 km) 15 mi. (24 km) 24.5 mi. (39.2 km) 50 mi. (80 km)

You should consult your local or national coordinator when route problems are encountered. True False

If stop locations are not currently identified on the map or in stop descriptions, you should use your odometer or a GPS unit to establish them. True False

It is okay to use a felt-tip marker to record data. True False

The Cover Sheet should always be completed and returned to the BBS office with the completed original data sheets. True False

If data are submitted via the Internet, the completed data sheets need not be mailed to the BBS office. True False

Once the data are processed, you should check the data report for errors and notify the BBS office of your findings. True False

You should always read and follow the “Instructions for Conducting the North American Breeding Bird Survey.” True False

The BBS office encourages participants to submit data electronically. True False

Participants should keep a copy of their completed data sheets and mail the original data sheets to the BBS office. True False

If data are not submitted via the web, the scannable data sheets must be completed using Arabic numbers and submitted before 15 July. True False