Date: 4/17/25 5:36 pm From: John Schukman <schuksaya...> Subject: KOS Spring meeting survey
Hello Birders,
I have a survey proposal for the KOS Spring meeting. Participation is completely voluntary.
The purpose of this survey is two-fold: (1) to provide a snapshot of migratory birds in western Kansas by following a prescribed survey protocol, and (2) to determine the breeding status of Cliff and Barn swallows, and Say's and Eastern (S. phoebe) phoebes. The survey would cover the counties outlined for the KOS meeting and could extend to 20 or so western counties for county listers if desired. There are several counties that need breeding confirmation for Cliff Swallow and both phoebes. For example, Grant Co. does not have Say's Phoebe or Cliff Swallow confirmed. Eastern Phoebe would be rare in Grant but this species needs to be confirmed in Lane, Gray, and Meade counties, which is more likely.
Part 1. BBS protocol. Only one observer is permitted to ID and count birds in 3-minute stationary point counts by sight and sound for submission to eBird with a share to "KOS2025Survey".
Observations before or after point counts and between stops can be submitted separately to eBird. Add additional breeding status details about swallows and/or phoebes for Part 2, or any other breeding records.
A shared excel document of suggested locations (mostly bridges, my bias) will be available. Other point count locations can be added, like Frazier Park, but only one from the area would be accepted for the survey. Participants meeting minimum requirements are eligible for study authorship. Minimum requirement is completing one set (a county or part of county) or group of survey stops or about 12-15 stops. Less in counties with fewer stops.
The birds found in the survey then can be a record of relative abundance and be replicated in the future, either as a whole or subset.
If you are interested in participating send me your email. More details to follow.
This proposal is still open to methodological, logistical, or other suggestions and support.
