Bird tracks

Bird tracking provides a way to assess the habitat range and behavior of birds without ever seeing the bird. Bird tracking falls under the category of tracking and is related to animal tracking. A guide to bird tracking has been published.[1] Bird tracking is a tool used by naturalists to assess what birds are present in an ecosystem even if the bird is rarely seen.

Tracks of the greater yellowlegs

Data collection

In the Pacific Northwest of the United States, a program called NatureMapping collects data by educating the public and having them pool their data in a citizen science application. Data can be collected in the field using a handheld palm pilot and GPS system that streamlines the collection process. This free program is called CyberTracker. In order to make sure that data is reliable, a tracker evaluation system has been put in place through the CyberTracker organization.

References
  1. Mark Elbroch; Eleanor Marks; C. Diane Boretos (2001). Bird Tracks & Sign : A Guide to North American Species. Stackpole Books.


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