1018-0010 Supporting Statement B

Supporting Statement B for

Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

Mourning Dove Call Count Survey

OMB Control Number 1018-0010

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample must be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved.

The respondent universe is all States in the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). Random samples of 1,072 routes within physiographic regions were selected such that each route represents roughly 750 mi² of land area. The expected response rate is approximately 95 percent . Some circumstances prevent all requested routes from being run each year. Actual response rates for the past couple of years have been between 93 and 97 percent.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

* Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

* Estimation procedure,

* Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

* Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

* Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

For descriptions of survey design and statistical methods for analyzing data, see:

• Seamans, M.E., K. Parker, and T.A. Sanders. 2011. Mourning dove population status, 2011. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Washington, D.C.

• Sauer, J.R., W. A. Link, W.L. Kendall, and D.D. Dolton. 2010. Comparative Analysis of mourning dove population change in North America. Journal of Wildlife Management 74(5):1059-1069.

• Sauer, J.R., W.A. Link, W.L. Kendall, J.R. Kelley, and D.K. Niven. 2008. A hierarchical model for estimating change in American woodcock populations. Journal of Wildlife Management. 58(1):204-214.

• Baskett, T.S. 1993. Biological evaluation of the call-count survey. Pages 253-268 in T.S. Baskett, M.W. Sayre, R.E. Tomlinson, and R.E. Mirachi, eds., Ecology and management of the mourning dove. Stackpole Books. Harrisburg, PA. and Dolton, D.D. 1993.

• The call-count survey: Historic development and current procedures. Pages 233-252 in T.S. Baskett, M.W. Sayre, R.E. Tomlinson, and R.E. Mirachi, eds., Ecology and management of the mourning dove. Stackpole Books. Harrisburg, PA.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of nonresponse. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

We use phone and email contacts and a system of State coordinators to maximize timely response. In addition, we now develop nonformal participation assessment reports, spend more time following up with coordinators as well as individual observers, and include more concise directions and checklists for observers that accompany FWS Form 3-159. Our intention is to establish a snap-shot of current participation levels, which will enable the Call Count Survey (CCS) coordination team to identify the strengths and weaknesses of survey coordination, identify challenges and obstacles to survey participation, and to efficiently allocate resources to strengthen survey participation. The foundation of the survey is the strength of our relationships with cooperators.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

We have improved and refined the Call Count Survey methodology over the last 46 years. Evaluation of methods used to analyze survey data is ongoing. In the future, the value of the CCS may extend beyond the existing population indices derived from the survey. Additional research has begun to estimate detection probabilities, from methods such as repeated counts and distance sampling, which might allow for the estimation of population size from CCS count data. Population estimates, rather than indices, would be more useful in a harvest strategy for doves, for developing improved habitat conservation goals, and for other purposes not yet envisioned.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Statistical consultants:

John Sauer 301‑497‑5662

Persons collecting and analyzing data:

Mark Seamans mark_seamans@fws.gov

John Sauer 301‑497‑5662