Lake Michigan 2011-13 aerial surveys common loon observations
Dates
Publication Date
2018-03-05
Start Date
2009-09-01
End Date
2013-12-31
Citation
Kenow, K., 2018, Distribution and foraging patterns of common loons on Lake Michigan with implications for exposure to type E avian botulism: Data: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F70G3JGG.
Summary
We surveyed fixed-width transects to determine waterbird distribution and estimate relative density. Transects generally paralleled shorelines to maximize efficiency and safety. Fixed-width transects were spaced at 3.2 and 4.8 km intervals and extended up to 32 km offshore so as to include waters with depth up to 80 m. Transects were established using snapPLAN software (TRACK’AIR Aerial Survey Systems, The Netherlands). Surveys were flown at an average ground speed of about 220 km/h at an altitude of about 61-76 m above the water using a US Fish and Wildlife Service fix-winged aircraft (Partenavia P68 Observer 2). Two trained observers, one on each side of the plane, identified and tallied waterbirds within 200 m-wide strip transects [...]
Summary
We surveyed fixed-width transects to determine waterbird distribution and estimate relative density. Transects generally paralleled shorelines to maximize efficiency and safety. Fixed-width transects were spaced at 3.2 and 4.8 km intervals and extended up to 32 km offshore so as to include waters with depth up to 80 m. Transects were established using snapPLAN software (TRACK’AIR Aerial Survey Systems, The Netherlands). Surveys were flown at an average ground speed of about 220 km/h at an altitude of about 61-76 m above the water using a US Fish and Wildlife Service fix-winged aircraft (Partenavia P68 Observer 2). Two trained observers, one on each side of the plane, identified and tallied waterbirds within 200 m-wide strip transects on either side of the plane. Each observation was linked to a GPS waypoint and recorded using an integrated GPS voice recording system (Hodges and Thorpe, 2002). Waterbird survey data were transcribed from audio files to Excel spreadsheets. Common loon observations during September – December during 2011-2013 are included in this data set.
