ASSESSING A POINT COUNT SAMPLING PROTOCOL IN MONTANE MEADOWS

We conducted 142 unlimited distance point counts for birds in 15 Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range montane meadows from May to August 2006 to evaluate the effect of protocol variations on estimates of species richness and abundance. Developing a long-term strategy to inventory and monitor montane meadow birds was a priority for the California Department of Fish and Game Resource Assessment Program. Point count and species-specific surveys are widely used to infer avian abundance and species richness. We surveyed each meadow every 7 to 10 days for a total of eight times during the summer. Vocalizations of willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii), Lincoln's sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii), and Wilson's warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) were broadcast at every point count station to increase their detections. Our results suggest that three point count survey cycles per field season, using point count durations of 10 minutes, optimize the number of species detected and sampling effort expended. Aural stimuli by song tape playback can supplement point counts as a quick and easy method to increase detections of the three focal species.