2021 MAINE NIGHTJAR MONITORING PROJECT - MONITORING HANDBOOK A PROJ ECT OF TH E - Maine Natural History ...
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M AINE NIGHTJA R
MONITOR ING PROJECT
2021
MONITOR ING H ANDBOOK
A PROJ EC T OF T H E
M A I N E NAT U R A L H I S TOR Y OB S E RVATOR Y
M A I N E N IGH T JA R.C OM M A I N E NAT U R A L H IS T ORY.ORG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLU N T E E R R EQU IR E M E N T S ............................................................ . . . . . 1
EQU I PM E N T ........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......1
T E R MS AND DE F I N I T IONS.......................................................................1
W H E N T O SU RV E Y.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......2
I M POR TA N T R E M I N DE R S........................................................................4
F OL LOW U P MO ON R I S E S U RV E Y S................................................... ......5
I F YOU CA N ’ T C OM PL ET E YOU R S U RV E Y....................................... ......5
ROU T E LO GIS T IC S.............................................................................. ......5
SU RV E Y FOR MS......................................................................................6
R EC OR DI NG E N V I RON M E N TA L C ON DI T IONS......................................7
W I N D............. .............. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..................6
SK Y C ON DI T IONS......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......7
NOISE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................................................................8
C A R S............................................................................................9
T E M PE R AT U R E............................................................................9
S TA R T T I M E................................................................................9
C ON DUC T I NG T H E SU RV E YS...... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .......9
W H AT SPECI E S T O R EC OR D.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ......10
SA M PL E DATA FOR M.. . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ......12
C OM M E N T S.......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....12
DATA SU BM IS SION ................................................................................ . . . . 12
SA FET Y...................................................................................................12
QU E S T IONS ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2
A PPE N DI X A: 2 02 1 SOL A R & LU NA R C A L E N DA R..................................... . . . . . 13
A PPE N DI X B: H A BI TAT T Y PE S............................................................... . . . 14
A PPE N DI X C: BR E E DI NG C ODE S...............................................................16
I N T RODUC T ION
Thank you for agreeing to participate in the
Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project. The primary
focus of this survey is to collect data on two species
of nightjars in Maine: Eastern Whip-poor-will
(Antrostomus vociferus) and Common Nighthawk
(Chordeiles minor). These difficult to study species
are thought to have declined severely in the past
50 years. In addition, we are asking volunteers to
collect data on owls as well as other nocturnal
and crepuscular bird species during their surveys.
These data will be used to track changes in
distribution and identify areas where these
species may still be relatively abundant and guide
land protection efforts, habitat management,
and future research and monitoring efforts.
VOLU N T E E R R EQU I R E M E N T S EQU I P M E N T
This project relies on volunteers to conduct • DATA SHEETS
standardized surveys along roadside survey routes AND CLIPB O ARD
during specific conditions. The only experience
• SURVEY
necessary is a familiarity with each species’
characteristic songs (Listen to examples at www. PRO TO CO L
mainenightjar.com on “The Birds We Study” • ROUTE MAP AN D
page). It will also be helpful to be familiar with CO O RDIN ATES
non-vocal sounds such as the “booming” display of
the Common Nighthawk. • FLASHLIGHT
AND/OR
Volunteers need to conduct 2 surveys (1 moonrise H E ADLAMP
survey and 1 sunset survey) along pre-established
routes. All routes must be run between May 19 and • STO PWATCH /
June 2. In most instances, the moonrise survey can TIMER
immediately follow the sunset survey, but there
• PENS/ PE N CILS
are exceptions. An additional moonrise survey
before mid-July will also be required if nightjars • GPS OR
were detected during the first round of surveys. SMARTPH O N E
Please read carefully and follow the instructions.
Compliance with these instructions will ensure • HAND-HELD
standardized data collection and a successful THERMOMETER
survey. (O PTIO NAL)
T E R M S A N D DE F I N I T IONS
Survey Route
Survey routes are 9 miles long and are positioned throughout the state so that they pass through areas of
suitable nightjar habitat. They run along roadways so they can be safely accessed at dusk and after dark.
Sunset Survey
Sunset surveys target Nighthawks and other crepuscular species that are most likely to be found just
before or just after sunset. Sunset surveys should be timed to run approximately 45 minutes before to 45
minutes after sunset. Sunset surveys can be conducted at any date within the survey window, irrespective
of the lunar cycle.
Moonrise Survey
Moonrise surveys target Eastern Whip-poor-will and other night-calling bird species. Moonrise surveys
should start at least 15 minutes after sunset or end no later than 15 minutes before sunrise.
Lunar Cycle
A lunar cycle is a two-week period of time centered around the full moon when moonrise surveys may be
conducted. For 2021, the 1st lunar cycle is May 19 to June 2 and the 2nd lunar cycle is June 17 to July 1.
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History Observatory
E A S T E R N W H I P-P O OR-W I L L
L O G A N P A RK E R
W H E N TO S U RV E Y
Nightjars are known to be more vocal around a full moon and relatively quiet when
the moon is poorly illuminated or below the horizon. For this reason, sunset and
moonrise surveys are restricted to the week leading up to and the week following the
full moon. In addition, for moonrise surveys it is important to delay your survey (if
needed) to allow the moon to rise above the horizon or to not be obscured by clouds.
When scheduling a moonrise survey, keep in mind that the moon rises progressively
later each night as it wanes (i.e., after the full moon) requiring you to stay up later into
the night (or get up early) to start your survey. In most instances, the moonrise survey
can immediately follow the sunset survey as long as the moon is visible (i.e., above the
horizon and not blocked by clouds).
When scheduling your survey, the arrival date of Maine nightjars, the date of the full
moon, and weather conditions must all be taken into consideration as follows:
Step 1
Look at table 1 below and find the start and end date of your survey period based on the
location of the route.
TA BL E 1. L AT I T U DI NA L VA R I AT ION I N A R R I VA L DAT E S
N IGH T JA R LOC AT IONS S TA R T OF E N D OF
A R R I VA L DAT E SU RV E Y PE R IOD SU RV E Y PE R IOD
M AY 1 SOU T H E R N M A I N E M AY 15 J U N E 30
(SOU T H OF AUG US TA )
M AY 10 NOR T H E R N M A I N E M AY 25 J U LY 15
(NOR T H OF AUG US TA )
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History Observatory
Step 2
Compare the information you found in table 1 with table 2. Your survey window is
the period of time that falls within the 1st lunar cycle and within the survey period
you looked up in table 1.
TA BL E 2. ACC E P TA BL E S U RV E Y W I N D OWS B A S E D ON LU NA R
PH A S E F OR 2 0 2 1 . I N T H I S TA BL E , T H E F U L L MO ON OCC U R S
ON T H E L A S T DAY OF T H E WA X I NG MO ON .
LU NA R PH A SE 1S T C YCL E 2N D C YCL E
WA X I NG MOON M AY 19 - M AY 2 6 J U N E 17 - J U N E 2 4
WA N I NG MOON M AY 27 - J U N E 2 J U N E 25 - J U LY 1
Step 3
Look at Appendix A on page 13 to narrow down when to attempt your survey(s). When
planning, remember that (1) sunset surveys should start 45 minutes prior to sunset, and
(2) moonrise survey should start at least 15 minutes after sunset and end no later than
15 minutes before sunrise. Consider making a backup plan as there is always a chance
weather conditions will make it necessary to postpone a survey.
Step 4
As your survey window approaches, start watching the weather. Sunset and moonrise
surveys can only be run when the lunar and sky conditions are suitable, as follows:
• Sunset surveys cannot be conducted when wind is a 3 or higher on the Beaufort Scale
and during drizzle, rain, or snow. (see Beaufort Scale table on page 5).
• Moonrise surveys cannot be conducted when wind is a 3 or higher on the Beaufort
Scale and during drizzle, rain, snow, or any conditions (such as cloud or fog) which
would obscure the moon for more than 3 stops. (see Beaufort Scale table on page 5).
C OM MON N IGH T H AW K
L O G A N P A RK E R
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History Observatory
I M P ORTA N T R E M I N DE R S
• All routes must be run during the 1st lunar cycle (May 19 to June 2).
• The sunset survey should be timed to run approximately 45 minutes before to 45
minutes after sunset.
• Begin each moonrise survey at least 15 minutes after sunset and end no later than
15 minutes before sunrise.
• Moonrise surveys must be conducted when the moon is in the sky and not
obstructed by fog or clouds.
• If conditions do not allow for running the moonrise survey on the same evening
as the sunset survey, run the moonrise portion of the survey on the next possible
evening.
Note that the moon rises later each evening during these survey periods, and that by the
end of the period a pre-dawn survey would be required.
In such cases be sure to leave roughly 1.5 hours to complete the survey so that it ends
before sunrise. It is CRITICAL that surveys are conducted during appropriate lunar
conditions, irrespective of the date within the survey period.
A table detailing sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset can be found in Appendix A
(page 13).
E A S T E R N W H I P-P O OR-W I L L
JOH N W I N Z E
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History Observatory
F OL LOW U P MO ON R I S E S U RV E Y S
Southern Maine: If a nightjar is detected along a route in southern Maine during the first
lunar cycle (May 19 – June 2), the route will need to be re-run 7 or more days later during
the 1st lunar cycle or early during the 2nd lunar cycle (June 17 – June 30) to document
the level of confidence that nightjars are breeding along the route.
Northern Maine: If a nightjar is detected along a route in northern Maine during the
first lunar cycle (May 25 – June 2), the route will need to be re-run during the 2nd lunar
cycle (June 17 – July 1) to document the level of confidence that nightjars are breeding
along the route. Sunset surveys do not need to be re-run.
If you are unable to re-run your moonrise survey(s) during the 2nd lunar
cycle, contact Logan Parker (logan@hereinthewild.com).
I F YOU CA N ’ T C OM PL ET E YOU R S U RV E Y
The Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project is a long-term monitoring effort. As such, it is
essential that sunset and moonrise surveys are completed every year. If, for any reason,
you are unable to complete your survey in a given year, it is important to contact the
project coordinator as soon as possible to secure a substitute volunteer to cover your route.
Contact project coordinator Logan Parker at logan@hereinthewild.com.
ROU T E LO GI S T IC S
The starting point for all surveys is stop number 1. All other stops are spaced approximately
1 mile apart along the route as indicated on your map (follow the UTM coordinates
provided for each point).
If the one-mile mark places you in a location that is not conducive to the survey (no
place to pull off, excessive highway noise, barking dogs, directly in front of a home, or
an otherwise unsafe location), you may continue on for up to 0.2 miles (note this in the
comment section and record the UTM location where you conducted your survey).
Be sure to continue to the exact UTM coordinate for the next point. Please be sure to
follow any instructions that accompany the provided map in such cases.
If you are having trouble locating your route, contact the project coordinator so they can
help you with directions. It is important you do this as soon as possible to ensure that the
route is running during the 1st lunar cycle.
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History Observatory
S U RV E Y F OR M S
There are three survey forms that will need to be completed during the first run of the
route (during the 1st lunar cycle): the Sunset Survey Form (page 11), the Moonrise Survey
Form (page 12), and the Survey Route Description form (page 10). The instructions
below outline the tables found on the survey forms. Please report data as accurately
and completely as possible. You may want to conduct a test run on a date prior to your
scheduled surveys so as to become familiar with the census techniques and the form.
Survey Route Description Form: This form is used to gather data about habitat conditions
along your survey route. It should be completed prior to your survey efforts at a time when
habitat conditions are easily discernable. At each point, provide a general description of
the point (visible within 100 meters), a count of the number of houses or other buildings,
and the top 3 most dominant habitat types at the point. Habitat codes are listed at the
bottom of the Survey Route Description Form. A more thorough explanation of habitat
types can be found in Appendix B (page 14).
Sunset and Moonrise Survey Forms: Both of these forms have the same format and use
the same wind, sky condition, and noise data detailed in the tables below. Observation
data should be entered on the survey form during their respective survey; however,
environmental conditions should be noted at the point before commencing with your
observations. Do not wait to enter your observation data until after the survey effort to
avoid potential errors of omission.
Route Name: This should be on the map you receive from your coordinator.
Observer: Record your name here.
Date: Indicate the date of the survey.
Time Start: Indicate the time at which you begin listening at stop 1.
Time End: Indicate the time at which you stop listening at stop 10.
CH UC K - W I L L’ S-W I D OW
M A RY A L IC E
TAT L E R
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History ObservatoryR EC OR DI NG E N V I RON M E N TA L C ON DI T IONS
For each point, we ask that you give an indication of the following environmental
conditions. Use only the code systems detailed below. It is important to conduct surveys
only under appropriate environmental conditions to ensure birds can be detected. Sunset
surveys cannot be conducted when wind is a 3 or higher on the Beaufort Scale and during
drizzle, rain, or snow. Moonrise surveys cannot be conducted when wind is a 3 or higher
on the Beaufort Scale and during drizzle, rain, snow, or any conditions (such as cloud or
fog) which would obscure the moon for more than 3 stops.
Wind: Record the rough wind speed at each stop using the Beaufort codes below. Do not
begin a survey if wind is a 3 or above on the Beaufort Scale. If wind intensifies during the
survey, and winds of a Gentle Breeze (3) or above persist for more than three stops, end
the survey and attempt it again under better conditions.
BE AU FOR T WIND DE SCR I P T ION
N U M BE R SPE E D
0LO GAN PARK ER
Noise: Assign a noise code to each stop. Noise codes are a measure of the effect of noise
on your ability to hear vocalizing birds. Although we have provided examples of noises
for each code, these are meant only as general guidelines.
C ODE DE SCR I P T ION
0 T H E R E IS NO A PPR ECI A BL E E F F EC T ON YOU R A BI L I T Y T O H E A R
BIR DS.
1 NOISE SL IGH T LY A F F EC T S YOU R A BI L I T Y T O H E A R BIR DS (E.G.
DIS TA N T TR A F F IC, D O G B A R K I NG, 1 - 2
C A R PA S SI NG DU R I NG SU RV E Y PE R IOD).
2 NOISE MODE R AT E LY A F F EC T S YOU R A BI L I T Y T O H E A R BIR DS ( E.G.
N E A R BY TR A F F IC, 3-6 CARS PA S SI NG DU R I NG S U RV E Y PE R IOD,
A IR PL A N E F LY I NG OV E R H E A D ).
3 NOISE SE R IOUSLY A F F EC T S YOU R A BI L I T Y T O H E A R BIR DS (E.G.
C ON T I N UOUS TR A F F IC N E A R BY, C ONS TRUC T ION NOISE, LOU D SPR I NG
PE E PE R C HORUS )
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History ObservatoryCars: Record the number of cars that pass by during each of the entire count periods as
a rough index of traffic noise. Counting cars is not the primary objective of the survey,
however. Cap your car counting effort at 15 cars and record it on the data sheet as “15+”.
Rather than counting a high number of cars, focus your energy on listening for what
vocalizations you can discern through the traffic noise or breaks in traffic.
Temperature: Record the air temperature in Fahrenheit at each stop at the beginning
of each survey. The most accurate means of recording temperature would be to utilize a
handheld thermometer, however, if you do not have access to such a device, your car’s
built-in thermometer or local weather application will suffice.
Start Time: Record the time you start your observations at each point.
C ON DUC T I NG T H E S U RV E Y
While a single observer can conduct these surveys on their own, volunteers are welcome
to bring a partner to assist with the survey efforts. Only one volunteer should count and
record the birds detected. The other partner can act as the designated timekeeper and
can announce the start of the survey and the break between the one-minute periods.
At each point, the observer will spend six minutes listening for nightjars and other
vocalizing birds, with each bird’s detections tracked across one-minute periods. What
this means in practice is that you will have a single line on the survey form for each
individual bird detected (see example on the following page) and you will mark whether
you detect it in each of the six one-minute periods. Additionally, we are asking that
volunteers report the highest level of breeding behavior observed. Given that much of
the survey effort will be completed near or after sunset, birds will likely be more often
heard than seen. Consequently, “Singing Male” will often be the highest level detected.
A more detailed explanation of breeding codes can be found in Appendix C (page 16).
• Birds will sometimes move during the count, and you will need to use your best
judgment when deciding if a “new” detection is actually an additional bird or simply
an already-counted bird that has moved its location.
• Listening and recording data should be done from a safe, stationary point outside the
car.
• Do not use whistling, playbacks, or any other method of coaxing birds to vocalize or
move. Record birds detected during only the six-minute sample period, although you
may record birds detected outside of this period in the “Comments” section of the
form.
• Record birds as you hear them, rather than waiting for the sample period to be over,
so as to avoid errors of omission.
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History ObservatoryW H AT S P ECI E S TO R EC OR D
While the birds listed below are the most likely to be observed, this list in not exhaustive
and all observed species that can be confidently identified should be reported:
Nightjars: Owls:
Owls:
Eastern Whip-poor-will Eastern Screech Owl
Common Nighthawk Great Horned Owl
Chuck-will’s-widow** Barred Owl
Long-eared Owl**
Short-eared Owl**
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Other Nocturnal/Crepuscular species:
species: Chimney Swift
Common Loon Veery
Black-crowned Night-heron Swainson’s Thrush
Yellow-crowned Night-heron** Hermit Thrush
Yellow Rail** Wood Thrush
American Woodcock American Robin
Wilson’s Snipe Northern Mockingbird
Killdeer Ovenbird
*These species are rare in Maine and require additional documentation. Please take
additional descriptive notes, photographs, video, and/or audio recordings when possible.
If a bird that is not listed above is observed, write out the species name. Abbreviations are
acceptable so long as they are easily recognized (e.g. “tree swal” for Tree Swallow). If
no birds are detected at a point, enter the point number as usual, followed by “NONE”
instead of a species code, and leave the columns for each time period blank (or draw a
line through them). Doing so will reduce the possibility of becoming confused during a
survey and forgetting which point you are on.
BARR ED
OW L
L O G A N P A RK E R
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History ObservatoryS A M PL E DATA SH E ET
SU RV E Y SPECI E S SU RV E Y M I N U T E MOV E D ? DIR. BR E E DI NG
POI N T 1 2 3 4 5 6 C ODE
1 E A S T E R N W H I P-PO OR-W I L L 1 1 1 1 1 1 NE S
1 E A S T E R N W H I P-PO OR-W I L L 0 0 1 1 1 0 S S
2 NON E
3 E A S T E R N W H I P-PO OR-W I L L 1 1 1 0 0 0 W S
3 E A S T E R N W H I P-PO OR-W I L L 0 0 0 1 1 1 X SW S
3 C OM MON N IGH T H AW K 0 0 0 0 1 0 SE C
3 E A S T E R N W H I P-PO OR-W I L L 0 0 0 0 1 1 N S
4 B A R R E D OW L 1 1 1 0 0 0 E S
4 E A S T E R N W H I P-PO OR-W I L L 0 0 0 1 1 1 SE S
5 ETC.
Example: In this form a “0” indicates that a given individual was NOT detected, while
a “1” indicates it was. For example, at Point 1 an Eastern Whip-poor-will was heard in
the first one-minute period and every period thereafter. A second Eastern Whip-poor-
will was first detected in the third period and heard in the following two periods before
becoming silent. No nightjars were heard at Point 2. At Point 3 an Eastern Whip-poor-
will was heard during the first three periods, changed location, and continued to sing
from that new location. Note that the “Moved?” column is used to document an individual
changing position and resuming its vocalizations. It is not used to indicate that a bird
is actively foraging or flying. A different Eastern Whip-poor-will was first detected in
Period 4 and heard again in Periods 5 and 6. Because it did not overlap with the first
bird, there is a possibility that they are the same bird and that it moved between Periods
3 and 4. Some cues that might suggest this are if calling ended early in Period 3 and
started late in Period 4, but there is no hard and fast rule. Use your best judgment and be
conservative about adding new individuals. Also at Point 3, both a Common Nighthawk
and an Eastern Whip-poor-will were detected in Period 5, with the latter continuing
into Period 6. The fact that this bird overlapped with the second Eastern Whip-poor-
will is clear evidence that there are at least two Eastern Whip-poor-wills at this point.
At Point 4, a Barred Owl was heard in Periods 1-3 and an Eastern Whip-poor-will in
Periods 2-6. This process would continue through Points 5-10.
Remember that each bird has its own line. Do not record two birds
calling from the same direction with a “2”.
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History ObservatoryComments: Use this field to provide any additional information not included in the table.
For example:
• other nocturnal species detected outside the observation period.
• details on noise factors that might impede your ability to detect birds (use only if you
used Noise Code 3 on a given point).
• identification details of any rare or unusual species (Chuck-will’s-widow, Long-eared
Owl, etc.) seen or heard during or following the survey period.
• any other information you wish to convey.
• if you need extra space, please feel free to write on the back of the forms.
DATA S U BM I S SION
Want to assist with entering project data? Data entry is another great way to help sustain
the project. For more directions and to download the data entry spreadsheet, visit
mainenightjar.com and go to the “Data Submission” page (under the “Volunteer” tab).
Completed spreadsheets can be uploaded to the project site. Original data sheets should
be sent to logan@hereinthewild.com.
S A F ET Y
Your safety comes first. Please ensure that you are conscious of your safety when
conducting a survey.
Please take the following points into consideration:
• Consider conducting surveys in a team of two (with only one team member making
observations).
• If surveying alone, make sure someone knows where your survey route is and what time
you will return.
• Park your vehicle well off the road during survey stops.
• Leave parking lights on throughout the duration of a count.
• Wear a reflective vest and/or use a headlamp so that other drivers are aware of your
location.
• Conduct the survey near the road to avoid trespassing on private property.
• Check your clothing and skin for ticks when you get home to prevent the transmission
of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
• Consider notifying the local police/sheriff ’s department that you will be in the area
conducting surveys after dark.
QU E S T IONS ?
Please contact the Project Coordinator, Logan Parker, for assistance.
logan@hereinthewild.com - (207) 649-4689
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Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History ObservatoryA P P E N DI X A. 2 0 2 1 S OL A R A N D LU NA R CA L E N DA R
W I N D OW DAT E MOON R ISE MOONSE T SU N R ISE SU NSE T
M AY 19 11 : 4 1 A M 1: 5 1 A M 5:08 A M 8: 01 PM
M AY 2 0 12: 5 3 PM 2: 19 A M 5:07 A M 8: 02 PM
1 S T LU NA R C YCL E
M AY 2 1 2: 0 6 PM 2: 4 4 A M 5:06 A M 8: 03 PM
M AY 2 2 3: 2 2 PM 3:08 A M 5 : 05 A M 8: 04 PM
M AY 2 3 4: 4 1 PM 3:32 A M 5 : 04 A M 8: 05 PM
M AY 2 4 6 : 02 PM 3:5 7 A M 5 : 03 A M 8: 0 6 PM
M AY 25 7: 2 6 PM 4: 27 A M 5 : 02 A M 8: 0 7 PM
M AY 2 6 8: 4 8 PM 5 : 03 A M 5 : 01 A M 8: 0 8 PM
M AY 27 10:05 PM 5 : 47 A M 5 : 01 A M 8: 0 9 PM
M AY 2 8 11 : 11 PM 6: 5 2 A M 5:00 A M 8: 10 PM
M AY 2 9 7 : 47 A M 4: 5 9 A M 8: 11 PM
M AY 30 12: 04 A M 8: 5 8 A M 4: 5 9 A M 8: 12 PM
M AY 31 12: 45 A M 10: 11 A M 4: 5 8 A M 8: 12 PM
JUNE 1 1 : 17 A M 11:2 3 A M 4: 5 7 A M 8: 13 PM
JUNE 2 1: 4 3 A M 12: 31 PM 4: 5 7 A M 8: 14 PM
W I N D OW DAT E MOON R ISE MOONSE T SU N R ISE SU NSE T
J U N E 17 11: 5 2 A M 12: 4 9 A M 4: 54 A M 8: 2 3 PM
J U N E 18 1: 04 PM 1: 12 A M 4: 54 A M 8: 2 3 PM
2 N D LU NA R C YCL E
J U N E 19 2: 19 PM 1: 34 A M 4: 54 A M 8: 2 4 PM
JUNE 20 3: 36 PM 1: 5 8 A M 4: 54 A M 8: 2 4 PM
JUNE 21 4: 5 6 PM 2: 34 A M 4: 54 A M 8: 2 4 PM
JUNE 22 6 : 18 PM 2: 5 6 A M 4: 54 A M 8: 2 4 PM
JUNE 23 7: 38 PM 3:3 5 A M 4: 5 5 A M 8: 2 4 PM
JUNE 2 4 8: 5 1 PM 4: 2 4 A M 4: 5 5 A M 8: 25 PM
J U N E 25 9 : 5 1 PM 5 : 25 A M 4: 5 5 A M 8: 25 PM
JUNE 26 10:3 9 PM 6: 3 5 A M 4: 5 6 A M 8: 25 PM
J U N E 27 11: 15 PM 7:49 A M 4: 5 6 A M 8: 25 PM
JUNE 2 8 11 : 45 PM 9: 04 A M 4: 5 6 A M 8: 25 PM
JUNE 29 10: 16 A M 4: 5 7 A M 8: 25 PM
J U N E 30 12: 0 9 A M 11:2 4 A M 4: 5 7 A M 8: 2 4 PM
J U LY 1 12: 30 A M 12: 30 PM 4: 5 8 A M 8: 2 4 PM
13
Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History ObservatoryA P P E N DI X B. L A N D C OV E R/H A BI TAT S V I SI BL E W I T H I N 10 0 M F ROM P OI N T.
M ACRO - H A BI TAT M ICRO -H A BI TAT DE SCR I P T ION
DE V E LOPE D C OM M E RCI A L - DE V E LOPE D A R E A S W H E R E PEOPL E R E SI DE OR WOR K I N H IGH N U M BE R. E X A M PL E S I NCLU DE
( M I X OF I M PE RV IOUS I N DUS TR I A L (> 8 0% A PA R T M E N T C OM PL E X E S, ROW HOUSE S, C OM M E RCI A L-I N DUS TR I A L A R E A S, A N D A S SOCI AT E D
S U R FAC E S A N D I M PE RV IOUS ) PA R K I NG. I M PE RV IOUS SU R FAC E S AC C OU N T FOR MOR E T H A N 8 0% OF T OTA L C OV E R.
M A NAGE D L AW N
GR A S SE S) H IGH I N T E NSI T Y (5 0- I NCLU DE S H IGH LY DE V E LOPE D A R E A S W I T H A M I X T U R E OF C ONS TRUC T E D M AT E R I A L S A N D
8 0 % I M PE RV IOUS ) V EGE TAT ION. I M PE RV IOUS SU R FAC E S AC C OU N T FOR 5 0 T O 8 0 PE RC E N T OF T OTA L C OV E R .
M E DI U M I N T E NSI T Y I NCLU DE S MODE R AT E LY DE V E LOPE D A R E A S W I T H A M I X T U R E OF C ONS TRUC T E D M AT E R I A L S
(2 0-5 0% I M PE RV IOUS) A N D V EGE TAT ION . I M PE RV IOUS S U R FAC E S AC C OU N T FOR 2 0 T O 5 0 PE RC E N T OF T OTA L C OV E R .
LOW I N T E NSI T Y I NCLU DE S SPA R SE LY DE V E LOPE D A R E A S W I T H A M I X T U R E OF C ONS TRUC T E D M AT E R I A L S
(8 0 % OF V EGE TAT ION C OV E R) A N D
LOW H E R B S (GR A S SE S GR A S SL A N D OC C A SIONA L LY SPA R SE TR E E S OR SHRU B S. T H E SE A R E A S A R E NOT SU BJ EC T T O I N T E NSI V E
GE N E R A L LY >8 0%, M A NAGE M E N T SUC H A S T I L L I NG, BU T M IGH T BE USE D FOR GR A Z I NG OR H AY PRODUC T ION
W I T HOU T E V I DE NC E BU T T H E R E A R E NO OBV IOUS OR R EC E N T SIGNS OF F E NCI NG A N D H AY I NG. C H A R AC T E R IS T IC
OF R EC E N T PA S T U R E / L A N D C OV E R F E AT U R E S: PR A IR I E S, DRY M E A D OW S, FA L LOW F I E L DS, A N D U N DE V E LOPE D
H AY I NG) L A N DS W I T H NAT U R A L LY OC C U R R I NG GR A S SE S.
C OA S TA L GR A S SL A N DS / GR A S SL A N DS A LONG M A R I N E C OA S T OR SHOR E S OF L A RGE L A K E S (TR E E S A N D SHRU B S
DU N E S SOM E T I M E S PR E SE N T BU T SU BOR DI NAT E T O SHRU B/GR A S S C OV E R), E.G., DU N E S, SA N DY
A R E A S W I T H SPA R SE V EGE TAT ION A N D SM A L L PAT C H E S OF SHRU B S .
ROCK Y OU T CROP U PL A N D A R E A S A S SOCI AT E D W I T H ROCK OU T CROP S, LOW E L E VAT ION R I D GE S A N D SU M M I T S
GR A S SL A N D/GL A DE W I T H A M I X T U R E OF GR A S SE S A N D LOW H E R B S.
U PL A N D FOR E S T - OA K- PI N E D OM I NA N T OA K D OM I NAT E D W I T H SU BD OM I NA N T PI T C H PI N E, R E D PI N E, W H I T E PI N E, OR GR AY BIRC H,
DECI DUOUS DE NSE T O OPE N WOODL A N DS W I T H A LOW SHRU B OR GR A S S L AY E R, OR W I T H SPA R SE C OV E R
( TR E E S USUA L LY ON DRY ROCK Y H I L LT OP S A N D OU T CROP S . OV E R A L L TR E E S GR E AT E R T H A N 5 M TA L L A N D
> 5 M TA L L A N D GR E AT E R T H A N 75% DECI DUOUS .
FOR E S T > 75%
R E D OA K- NOR T H E R N A CLOSE D C A NOP Y FOR E S T OF LOW T O MODE R AT E MOIS T U R E I N W H IC H A SIGN IF IC A N T
DECI DUOUS)
H A R DWOODS D OM I NA N T C OM PON E N T OF R E D OA K IS PR E SE N T A LONG W I T H T H E NOR M A L SU I T E OF NOR T H E R N
H A R DWOODS, PR I M A R I LY SUGA R M A PL E, BE EC H, A N D Y E L LOW BIRC H. R E D M A PL E, H E M LOCK,
A N D W H I T E PI N E A R E C OM MON A S SOCI AT E S. OV E R A L L TR E E S GR E AT E R T H A N 5M TA L L A N D
GR E AT E R T H A N 75% DECI DUOUS
BIRC H-BE EC H-M A PL E NOR T H E R N H A R DWOODS SUC H A S SUGA R M A PL E, Y E L LOW BIRC H, A N D BE EC H A R E
D OM I NA N T C H A R AC T E R IS T IC, E I T H E R FOR M I NG A DECI DUOUS C A NOP Y OR M I X E D W I T H R E D OA K OR
H E M LOCK (OR I N SOM E C A SE S W H I T E PI N E). OV E R A L L TR E E S GR E AT E R T H A N 5M TA L L A N D
GR E AT E R T H A N 75% DECI DUOUS .
TR E E S 5M TA L L A N D GR E AT E R T H A N 75% E V E RGR E E N .
FOR E S T > 75% PI N E-H E M LOCK W H I T E PI N E, H E M LOCK A R E T Y PIC A L C A NOP Y D OM I NA N T S. R E D M A PL E A N D R E D OA K C A N
E V E RGR E E N ) D OM I NA N T W I T H R E D BE SU BD OM I- NA N T. OV E R A L L TR E E S GR E AT E R T H A N 5M TA L L A N D GR E AT E R T H A N 75%
OA K E V E RGR E E N.
MON TA N E (>2,0 0 0 A H IGH E L E VAT ION (>2,0 0 0 F E E T) C ON IF E R FOR E S T D OM I NAT E D BY R E D SPRUC E A N D B A L SA M
F E E T) SPRUC E-F IR F IR. H E A R T L E AV E D BIRC H IS A C H A R AC T E R IS T IC TR E E A LONG W I T H Y E L LOW BIRC H, W H I T E
D OM I NA N T) BIRC H, MOU N TA I N M A PL E, S TR I PE D M A PL E, MOU N TA I NS A SH, A N D OC C A SIONA L LY BL ACK
SPRUC E AT U PPE R PAT C H E D GE S. DE NSE BE DS OF SPH AGN U M MOS S C OV E R M UC H OF T H E FOR E S T
F LOOR, A N D L IC H E NS H A NG FROM T H E TR E E S.
LOW -E L E VAT ION A LOW E L E VAT ION (U PL A N D FOR E S T - OA K/PI N E M I X OF OA K, PI T C H PI N E, R E D PI N E, W H I T E PI N E, OR GR AY BIRC H, DE NSE T O OPE N
MIXED WOODL A N DS W I T H A LOW SHRU B OR GR A S S L AY E R, OR W I T H SPA R SE C OV E R ON DRY ROCK Y
( TR E E S USUA L LY H I L LT OP S A N D OU T CROP S. OV E R A L L TR E E S GR E AT E R T H A N 5M TA L L A N D L E S S T H A N 75%
> 5 M TA L L A N D DECI DUOUS A N D L E S S T H A N 75 % E V E RGR E E N .
FOR E S T < 75%
BIRC H-BE EC H-M A PL E/ NOR T H E R N H A R DWOODS SUC H A S SUGA R M A PL E, Y E L LOW BIRC H, A N D BE EC H A R E
DECI DUOUS OR
PI N E-H E M LOCK C H A R AC T E R IS T IC, E I T H E R FOR M I NG A DECI DUOUS C A NOP Y OR M I X E D W I T H R E D OA K OR
E V E RGR E E N)
H E M LOCK (OR I N SOM E C A SE S W H I T E PI N E). OV E R A L L TR E E S GR E AT E R T H A N 5M TA L L A N D
L E S S T H A N 75% DECI DUOUS A N D L E S S T H A N 75% E V E RGR E E N.
PI N E-H E M LOCK/ M I X OF W H I T E PI N E, H E M LOCK R E D M A PL E, A N D R E D OA K. OV E R A L L TR E E S GR E AT E R T H A N
H A R DWOODS 5M TA L L A N D L E S S T H A N 75% DECI DUOUS A N D L E S S T H A N 75% E V E RGR E E N.
SPRUC E - F IR/H A R DWOODS FOR E S T S W I T H A M I X OF R E D SPRUC E, B A L SA M F IR, BL ACK A N D W H I T E SPRUC E, Y E L LOW
BIRC H, PA PE R BIRC H, BE EC H, A N D R E D OR SUGA R M A PL E. T H E SOI L S A R E USUA L LY ROCK Y,
MOS T LY W E L L- T O MODE R AT E LY W E L L DR A I N E D BU T W I T H SOM E SOM EW H AT POOR LY
DR A I N E D PAT C H E S AT T H E SLOPE BOT T OMS. OV E R A L L TR E E S GR E AT E R T H A N 5M TA L L A N D
L E S S T H A N 75% DECI DUOUS A N D L E S S T H A N 75% E V E RGR E E N.
TR E E S 2 0%.
C E DA R S WA M P WOODE D W E T L A N DS, C H A R AC T E R I Z E D BY C E DA R OR PI T C H PI N E. W E T L A N DS W I T H TR E E S >5M
TA L L A N D C A NOP Y C OV E R >2 0%.
W ETL A ND- E M E RGE N T M A R SH FR E SH WAT E R M A R SH E S W I T H MOR E-OR-L E S S PE R M A N E N T WAT E R A N D W I T H NON-PE R SIS T E N T
NON FOR E S T E D (FR E SH WAT E R) V EGE TAT ION. W E T L A N DS W I T HOU T TR E E S OR TR E E SA P P E N DI X C. BR E E DI NG C ODE S
C ON F IR M E D
NY N E S T W I T H YOU NG
NE N E S T W I T H EG G S
FS C A R RY I NG F EC A L SAC
FY F E E DI NG YOU NG
CF C A R RY I NG FO OD
FL R EC E N T LY E D GE D YOU NG
ON OC C U PI E D N E S T
UN PR E V IOUSLY USE D N E S T (USE W I T H C AU T ION)
DD DIS TR AC T ION DISPL AY
NB N E S T BU I L DI NG (E XC E P T WOODPECK E R S & W R E NS )
CN C A R RY I NG N E S T I NG M AT E R I A L
PE PH YSIOLO GIC A L E V I DE NC E, BRO OD PAT C H
PROB A BL E
B WOODPECK E R / W R E N N E S T BU I L DI NG , C AV I T Y
E XC AVAT ION
A AGI TAT E D BE H AV IOR
N V ISI T I NG PROB A BL E N E S T SI T E
C C OU R T SH I P DISPL AY , C OPU L AT ION
T T E R R I T ORY DE F E NSE
P PA IR I N SU I TA BL E H A BI TAT
M M U LT I PL E (7 + ) SI NGI NG BIR DS
S7 SI NGI NG BIR DS H E A R D 7 + DAYS A PA R T
POS SI BL E
S SI NGI NG BIR DS
H OB SE RV E D I N A PPROPR I AT E BR E E DI NG H A BI TAT
16
Maine Nightjar Monitoring Project - Maine Natural History ObservatoryMaine Nightjar and Crepuscular Bird Monitoring Protocol
Survey Route Description Form
Route Name: Year:
This form has three purposes:
• Record specific information on the observer assigned to a specific nightjar route
• Provide a space where observers can record details about each point location during a non-sur-
vey visit to the route. These will have been provided to you if the route has been conducted and
described previously.
• Allow for recording of habitat information at each stop along a route.
Part 1: Observer Information
Observer
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
Parts 2 and 3: Route Information
Point Location Description # build- Dominant 3 hab-
(visible within 100 meters of point) ings itats
visible (see below)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Habitat Codes:
A. Developed F. Upland Forest - Mixed K. Open Water
B. Cultivated Land G. Upland Scrub/shrub L. Alpine/subalpine
C. Grassland/low herbs H. Wetland - Forested
D. Upland Forest - Deciduous I. Wetland - Non-forested
E. Upland Forest - Evergreen J. Bare Land
10Wind Codes Sky Codes Noise Codes
Maine Sunset Bird Survey Form 0 Calm (12
Wind Codes Sky Codes Noise Codes
Maine Moonrise Bird Survey Form 0 Calm (You can also read
