Comparing two methods of data collection in waterfowl habitat use studies

Abstract

The reliability of the simple point count method of data collection for waterfowl habitat use was studied by comparing results obtained from it with those obtained from the more time-consuming round count method. The results revealed similar habitat use patterns for breeding individuals and broods of the 4 duck species studied using both techniques. However, in a few cases the difference between point counts and round counts increased with the complexity of the shore vegetation. Between-species differences in habitat use obtained from point counts and round counts were similar. As the point count saves a lot of time it is a method worth considering in studies in which aspects other than the absolute number of birds are of primary interest. © 1992 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.