Prepared by
Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks
Resources Inventory Branch for the Terrestrial Ecosystems Task Force
Resources Inventory Committee
March 1998
Version 2.0
Table 1. Types of inventory surveys, the data forms needed, and the level of intensity of the survey.
Survey Type
Woodpecker Call
Playback
Woodpecker
Wildlife Tree/Sign
Surveys
Woodpecker Spot
Mapping
Data Forms Needed
Wildlife Inventory Project Description Form
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form - General
Animal Observations Form- Woodpecker Call Playback
Ecosystem Form
Wildlife Inventory Project Description Form
Animal Observations Form- Woodpecker Encounter Transect
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form - General
Ecosystem Field Form
Wildlife Inventory Project Description Form
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form - Woodpecker Spot Mapping
Animal Observations Form- Woodpecker Spot Mapping
Ecosystem Form
Animal Observations Form- Nest Site Description, is used when a nest is located.
Intensity
PN
RA
PN
RA
AA
Any Survey Type
PN
RA
AA
* PN = presence/not detected (possible); RA = relative abundance; AA = absolute abundance
Using RIC Dataforms:
See Table 1 to determine what forms are necessary for the survey type chosen.
Ensure forms are filled out correctly by checking the coding instructions provided with each form (it will also indicate which fields are mandatory and which are optional). Dataforms and codes that are generic to all surveys are found in the Species Inventory Fundamentals No. 1 [Forms] (previously referred to as the Dataform Appendix) .
Some forms have more than one part (e.g. A and B). All sections of a form must be filled out. In many cases, forms will be double-sided and both sides will be the same.
Computer Buttons that appear next to groups of fields correlate to the Data Form Hierarchy and are used to assist Digital Data Entry.
DC DCV = Design Component Visit Section OBS = Observation Section = Design Component Section
Page ___/___
Project _________________________________ Survey ________________________________ Study Area ________________________________
DC
Transect Label _________ Stratum _________ BEU ________ Trans Comment __________________________________________________________
Trans: Lgth ______ Bearing ______ UTM: Start____/________/_________ End ____/________/_________ Interstation Dist _______
DCV
Obs Date ______/______/________ Surveyors ____________________________________________________ Call Type(s) ______________________
DC DCV
Call
Sta
Sta UTM
Zone/East/North
Ecosystem Form
Type / #
Stratum Time
Start
Time
End
Wind Precip CC Temp Comments
OBS
Call
Sta
Obs
#
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
Spp Detect
Dir
Dist to
Detect
V/C/D Activity Des Sex Age
Class
Nest
Label /Fm
Comments
OBS_WOOD_CPLB_2.0
Page ___/___
Project _________________________________ Survey ________________________________ Study Area ________________________________
DC
Transect Label _________ Stratum _________ BEU ________ Trans Comment __________________________________________________________
Trans: Lgth ______ Bearing ______ UTM: Start____/________/_________ End ____/________/_________ Interstation Dist _______
DCV
Obs Date ______/______/________ Surveyors ____________________________________________________ Call Type(s) ______________________
DC DCV
Call
Sta
Sta UTM
Zone/East/North
Ecosystem Form
Type / #
Stratum Time
Start
Time
End
Wind Precip CC Temp Comments
OBS
Call
Sta
Obs
#
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
Spp Detect
Dir
Dist to
Detect
V/C/D Activity Des Sex Age
Class
Nest
Label /Fm
Comments
OBS_WOOD_CPLB_2.0
Page ___/___
Project _________________________________ Survey ________________________________ Study Area ________________________________
DC
Transect Label _________ Stratum _________ BEU ________ Trans Comment __________________________________________________________
Trans: Lgth ______ Bearing ______ UTM: Start ____/________/_________ End ____/________/_________
DCV
Obs Date ______/______/________
Obs Day
Start
Time CC Wind Precip Temp
End
Surveyors ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OBS
Obs Spp V/C/D Activity Des Sex Age Tree Detection UTM Ecosystem Nest
#
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
/ Sign Class # Zone / East / North Form Type / # Label / Fm
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
[Record the tree observations associated with the Transect observations listed above on copies of the reverse side of this form.]
Comments
OBS_WOOD_ENTR_2.0 -Part A
Page ___/___
Project _________________________________ Survey ________________________________ Study Area ________________________________
Transect Label _________ Obs Date ______/______/________
*Wildlife Tree Description
Tree Spp Decay DBH Ht Comments Tree Spp Decay DBH Ht
# Stg (cm) (m) # Stg (cm) (m)
[Tree observations recorded in this section must correspond to Tree #’s listed on copies of the the reverse side of this form.]
Comments
OBS_WOOD_ENTR_2.0 -Part B
Project _________________________________ Survey ________________________________ Study Area ________________________________
DC
DCV
Plot Label _____ Stratum _________ Plot Size ________ Dist btw Gridlines ____ Ecosystem Form Type / #(s) ____/_______
Surveyors __________________________________________________________________________________________________ # Plot Visits ______
Visit Date Visit Date Visit Date Visit Date
1.
2.
3.
Time
Start/End
4.
5.
6.
Time
Start/End
7.
8.
9.
Time
Start / End
10.
11.
12.
Time
Start / End
OBS
Obs
#
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
Spp Date 1st
Detected
Tot #
Detect
Terr? Comments
OBS_WOOD_SPMA_2.0
Project _________________________________ Survey ________________________________ Study Area ________________________________
Plot Label ___________
OBS
Obs
#
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
B-
Spp Tot #
Detect
Date 1st
Detected
Terr? Comments
OBS_WOOD_SPMA_2.0
Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Call Playback
Coding Instructions for the Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Call Playback
Field Name Description Requirement
Project (Name) Mandatory
Survey (Name)
The name of the Project as it has been specified on the Wildlife Inventory Project Description Form
(freeform text).
The name of the Survey as it has been specified on the
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form
(freeform text).
Mandatory
Study Area (Name) The name of the Study Area as it has specified on the
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form
(freeform text).
Mandatory
Transect Label Mandatory
Stratum
BEU
Trans Comment
Trans Lgth [km]
Trans Bearing
Transect UTM:
Start / End
The label of the transect within which animal observations are made. Transects must be labelled so that each transect is unique within a project. A reused transect within a project takes the original label given to that transect, (regardless whether it is used for the same survey or not).
The name of the stratum (from the list on the Wildlife
Inventory Survey Description Form) in which the
Design Component is established.
The Broad Ecosystem Unit within which the Design
Component is located. Codes: refer to “Broad
Ecosystem Units of British Columbia” (by Lea et al.) available on the FTP site; ftp://wldux2.env.gov.bc.ca/pub/TEM/beu3app.doc
A description of the area in which the transect occurs
(freeform text). e.g. road; railroad; seismic line.
The distance from the start to the end point of the transect (km).
The orientation of the transect (degrees, values 0 to
360).
Mandatory if
Design Component stratified.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory: RA/AA
Optional: PN
Mandatory if transect is a straight line.
Mandatory
Interstation Dist
[m]
Obs Date
Surveyors
The start/end location of the transect using UTM grid location. Record UTM as zone, easting, and northing.
A map (and/or aerial photograph) showing the transects delineated must accompany this data form.
The standard distance between stations (m). Note: record the distance between stations in both the X and
Y dimensions when grids are used.
The year/month/day (YYYY/MM/DD) on which the data on the form were gathered in the field. e.g.
1995/04/17.
The names of the people conducting the survey during the specified Design Component Visit. The full name is not required, but initials should be provided to identify the person as one of the surveyors listed on the Wildlife Inventory Survey Description form.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
OBS_WOOD_CPLB_2.0 1
Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Call Playback
Field Name
Call Type
Call Sta Label
Sta UTM
Ecosystem Form
Type / #
Stratum
Time Start/End
Wind
Precip
CC
Temp
Comments
Call Sta Label
Description
The type of recording which is broadcast at each station. Record the appropriate character code for sound + the five-letter species code. Codes: S =
Singing; A = Alarm call; D = Drumming/tapping; N =
Non-territorial vocalizations; T = Territorial vocalizations. Example: DBPIWO = Drumming of
Pileated Woodpecker. Note: if calls were not used record N/A.
The label assigned by the surveyor(s) for identifying the Call Station. Call Stations must be labelled uniquely within a project.
The UTM grid location of the Station. Record UTM as zone, easting, and northing. A map (and/or aerial photograph) showing the station location must accompany this data form.
The type of habitat form used to record environmental attributes at that location. Codes: GIF = Ground
Inspection Form; EFF = Ecosystem Field Form;
OTHER = list it. Also record the pre-printed form number from the associated Ecosystem Field Form, or the plot # from the Ground Inspection Form.
The name of the stratum (from the list on the Wildlife
Inventory Survey Description Form) in which the
Station is established.
The start and end time for each station. Use the 24 hour clock.
The strength of wind at the start of the survey using the Beaufort Scale. Codes: 0 = calm (< 2 km/h); 1 = light air (2-5 km/h); 2 = light breeze, leaves rustle (6-
12 km/h); 3 = gentle breeze, leaves and twigs constantly move 13-19 km/h); 4 = moderate breeze, small branches move, dust rises (20-29 km/h); 5 = fresh breeze, small trees sway (30-39 km/h); 6 = strong breeze, large branches moving, wind whistling
(40-50 km/h).
The type of precipitation at the start of the survey.
Codes: N = None; F = Fog; M = Misty drizzle; D =
Drizzle; LR = Light Rain; HR = Hard Rain; S =
Snow.
The extent of cloud cover at the start of the survey.
Codes: 1 = clear; 2 = scattered clouds (<50%); 3 = scattered clouds (>50%); 4 = unbroken clouds.
The temperature at the start of the survey (degrees
Celsius).
Additional information that may be relevant to the
Station (freeform text).
The label of the Call Station at which observations are made. This label must correspond to one of the previously assigned Call Station labels entered in the
Design Component section.
Requirement
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory if
Station stratified.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Optional
Mandatory
OBS_WOOD_CPLB_2.0 2
Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Call Playback
Field Name
Obs #
Spp
Detect Dir
Description
Observations must be numbered so that each is unique within a station. For each new station, start at 1 and continue numbering observations sequentially.
The 5-letter code that uniquely identifies the taxa of the observed animal (the first letter has already been filled in). Species codes: see manual No. 2,
Vertebrates of BC. If it is not possible to identify the animal in the field, record the best taxonomic description possible.
The cardinal direction in which the bird was first detected. Codes: N = North; E = East; S = South; W =
West. e.g. NNE
Dist to Detect [m] The distance from the Call Station to the detected bird
(m).
V / C / D
Requirement
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory: RA/AA
Optional: PN
Mandatory: RA/AA if stations used.
Optional: PN
Mandatory
Activity
Des
Sex
Age Class
Nest Label / Fm
Comments
The type of detection. Codes: V = Visual; C = Call; D
= Drumming/tapping.
The activity of the animal when it was first detected.
Codes: refer to Species Inventory Fundamentals No. 1
[Forms].
The descriptor that best describes the activity / sign of activity of the animal observed. Codes: refer to
Species Inventory Fundamentals No. 1 [Forms].
The sex of the animal. Codes: M = Male; F = Female;
UC = Unclassified.
The age class of the animal. Codes: J = Juvenile; A =
Adult; UC = Unclassified.
The label of the nest site found. Indicate whether a
Nest Site Description Form was filled out by marking the second field, then record this same Nest label on the top of the associated form. Note: assign the same
Nest label to all bird observations made at the same nest. Nests must be labelled so that each is unique within a project.
Additional information that may be relevant to the observation (freeform text).
Mandatory: RA/AA
Optional: PN
Mandatory: RA/AA
Optional: PN
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatoy: Nest #.
Also Nest Site
Description Form if
Red- or Blue-listed species observed..
Optional
OBS_WOOD_CPLB_2.0 3
Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Encounter Transect
Coding Instructions for the Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Encounter Transect
Field Name Description Requirement
Project (Name) Mandatory
Survey (Name)
The name of the Project as it has been specified on the Wildlife Inventory Project Description Form
(freeform text).
The name of the Survey as it has been specified on the
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form
(freeform text).
Mandatory
Study Area (Name) The name of the Study Area as it has specified on the
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form
(freeform text).
Mandatory
Transect Label Mandatory
Stratum
BEU
Trans Comment
Trans Lgth [km]
Trans Bearing
Transect UTM:
Start / End
The label of the transect within which animal observations are made. Transects must be labelled so that each transect is unique within a project. A reused transect within a project takes the original label given to that transect, (regardless whether it is used for the same survey or not).
The name of the stratum (from the list on the Wildlife
Inventory Survey Description Form) in which the
Design Component is established.
The Broad Ecosystem Unit within which the Design
Component is located. Codes: refer to “Broad
Ecosystem Units of British Columbia” (by Lea et al.) available on the FTP site; ftp://wldux2.env.gov.bc.ca/pub/TEM/beu3app.doc
A description of the area in which the transect occurs
(freeform text). e.g. road; railroad; seismic line.
The distance from the start to the end point of the transect (km).
The orientation of the transect (degrees, values 0 to
360).
Mandatory if
Design Component stratified.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory: RA/AA
Optional: PN
Mandatory if transect is a straight line.
Mandatory
Obs Date
Time Start/End
CC
The start/end location of the transect using UTM grid location. Record UTM as zone, easting, and northing.
A map (and/or aerial photograph) showing the transects delineated must accompany this data form.
The year/month/day (YYYY/MM/DD) on which the data on the form were gathered in the field. e.g.
1995/04/17.
The time at which surveying the specified Design
Component commences and finishes. Use the 24 hour clock.
The extent of cloud cover at the start and end of the survey. Codes: 1 = clear; 2 = scattered clouds
(<50%); 3 = scattered clouds (>50%); 4 = unbroken clouds.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
OBS_WOOD_ENTR_2.0 4
Field Name
Wind
Precip
Temp
Surveyors
Obs #
Spp
V / C / D
Activity / Sign
Des
Sex
Age Class
Tree #
Detection UTM
Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Encounter Transect
Description
The strength of wind at the start and end of the survey using the Beaufort Scale. Codes: 0 = calm (< 2 km/h);
1 = light air (2-5 km/h); 2 = light breeze, leaves rustle
(6-12 km/h); 3 = gentle breeze, leaves and twigs constantly move 13-19 km/h); 4 = moderate breeze, small branches move, dust rises (20-29 km/h); 5 = fresh breeze, small trees sway (30-39 km/h); 6 = strong breeze, large branches moving, wind whistling
(40-50 km/h).
The type of precipitation at the start and end of the survey. Codes: N = None; F = Fog; M = Misty drizzle; D = Drizzle; LR = Light Rain; HR = Hard
Rain; S = Snow.
The temperature at the start and end of the survey
(degrees Celsius).
The names of the people conducting the survey during the specified Design Component Visit. The full name is not required, but initials should be provided to identify the person as one of the surveyors listed on the Wildlife Inventory Survey Description form.
Observations must be numbered so that each is unique within a station. For each new station, start at 1 and continue numbering observations sequentially.
The 5-letter code that uniquely identifies the taxa of the observed animal (the first letter has already been filled in). Species codes: see manual No. 2,
Vertebrates of BC. If it is not possible to identify the animal in the field, record the best taxonomic description possible.
The type of detection. Codes: V = Visual; C = Call; D
= Drumming/tapping.
The activity of the animal when it was first detected or the sign of activity. Codes: refer to Species
Inventory Fundamentals No. 1 [Forms].
The descriptor that best describes the activity / sign of activity of the animal observed. Codes: refer to
Species Inventory Fundamentals No. 1 [Forms].
The sex of the animal. Codes: M = Male; F = Female;
UC = Unclassified.
The age class of the animal. Codes: J = Juvenile; A =
Adult; UC = Unclassified.
Trees must be numbered so that each is unique within an Observation Station. For each new Observation
Station, start at 1 and continue numbering sequentially.
The UTM grid location of the detected animal.
Record UTM as zone, easting, and northing. A map
(and/or aerial photograph) must accompany this data form that shows the location of the detected animal(s).
Requirement
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory: RA/AA
Optional: PN
Mandatory: RA/AA
Optional: PN
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory: RA/AA
Optional: PN
OBS_WOOD_ENTR_2.0 5
Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Encounter Transect
Field Name
Ecosystem Form
Type / #
Nest Label / Fm
Comments
Project (Name)
Survey (Name)
The name of the Project as it has been specified on the Wildlife Inventory Project Description Form
(freeform text).
The name of the Survey as it has been specified on the
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form
(freeform text).
Study Area (Name) The name of the Study Area as it has specified on the
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form
(freeform text).
Transect Label The label of the transect within which animal observations are made. Transects must be labelled so that each transect is unique within a project. A reused transect within a project takes the original label given to that transect, (regardless whether it is used for the same survey or not).
Obs Date
*Wildlife Tree
Description
Tree #
Tree Spp
Description
The type of habitat form used to record environmental attributes at that location. Codes: GIF = Ground
Inspection Form; EFF = Ecosystem Field Form;
OTHER = list it. Also record the pre-printed form number from the associated Ecosystem Field Form, or the plot # from the Ground Inspection Form.
The label of the nest site found. Indicate whether a
Nest Site Description Form was filled out by marking the second field, then record this same Nest label on the top of the associated form. Note: assign the same
Nest label to all bird observations made at the same nest. Nests must be labelled so that each is unique within a project.
Additional information that may be relevant to the observation (freeform text).
The year/month/day (YYYY/MM/DD) on which the data on the form were gathered in the field. e.g.
1995/04/17.
This section allows description of wildlife trees observed as being used for nesting, roosting, feeding, or drumming. Each line in this section of the form represents a single observation.
The number previously assigned by the surveyor(s) to identify the Tree. This number must correspond to one of the Trees recorded in the Bird Observation section.
The 8-letter species code of the tree. Use standard letter codes (the 4-3-1: genus-species-subspecies or variety if required) from the B.C. Ministry of Forests’
Vegetation Coding List (Titus, 1980).
Requirement
Mandatory
Mandatoy: Nest #.
Also Nest Site
Description Form if
Red- or Blue-listed species observed..
Optional
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
OBS_WOOD_ENTR_2.0 6
Field Name
Decay Stg
DBH [cm]
Ht [m]
Comments
Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Encounter Transect
Description
The standard decay class of the tree using the B.C.
Wildlife Tree Classification System (Wildlife Tree
Committee ). Evergreen Tree Codes: E1 = live/healthy; E2 = live/diseased or damaged; E3 = dead/very hard wood with little external deterioration;
E4 = dead/ hard wood with some external deterioration; E5 = dead/spongy wood with extensive external deterioration; E6 = dead/soft wood, trunk broken-off; E7 = dead/very soft wood, trunk brokenoff; E8 = decayed stump; E9 = debris. Deciduous
Tree Codes: D1 = Live/healthy: no decay; D2 = Live with defects: dead or broken top, dead limbs, fungal conks. dying tree; D3 = Dead: most limbs intact, some internal rot, top usually broken; D4 = Dead: most limbs gone, top broken, extensive heartrot; D5 =
Dead: top / or more broken off, no branches, extensive heartrot; D6 = Dead, fallen: downed trees, coarse woody debris.
Tree diameter, measured at breast height (1.3 m above the point of germination), (cm).
The visual estimate of tree height (m). Use a clinometer to measure the height of a few trees accurately, then use them as a guide to estimate the rest.
Additional information about the tree that may be of importance (freeform text).
Requirement
Mandatory: RA/AA
Optional: PN
Mandatory: RA/AA
Optional: PN
Mandatory
Optional
OBS_WOOD_ENTR_2.0 7
Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Spot Mapping
Field Name
Project (Name)
Coding Instruction for the Animal Observation Form -
Woodpecker Spot mapping Summary
Description Requirement
Mandatory The name of the Project as it has been specified on the Wildlife Inventory Project Description Form
(freeform text).
Mandatory Survey (Name) The name of the Survey as it has been specified on the
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form
(freeform text).
Study Area (Name) The name of the Study Area as it has specified on the
Wildlife Inventory Survey Description Form
(freeform text).
Mandatory
Plot Label Mandatory
Stratum
Plot Size [ha]
Dist btw Gridlines
[m]
Ecosystem Form
Type / #
The label of the plot in which observations are made.
Plots must be labelled so that they are unique within a project.
The name of the stratum (from the list on the Wildlife
Inventory Survey Description Form) in which the
Design Component is established.
The plot size used for the Spot Mapping Plot (ha).
This is normally 20 ha, but can range from 10 to 30 ha.
The distance between gridlines in both X and Y directions, established within each Spot Mapping
Plot. Generally, this will be 25 m in forested habitats; and 50 m in more open habitats.
The type of habitat form used to record environmental attributes at that location. Codes: GIF = Ground
Inspection Form; EFF = Ecosystem Field Form;
OTHER = list it. Also record the pre-printed form number from the associated Ecosystem Field Form, or the plot # from the Ground Inspection Form.
Mandatory if
Design Component stratified.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Surveyors
# Plot Visits
Visit Date
Time Start/End
Obs #
The names of the people conducting the survey during the specified Design Component Visit. The full name is not required, but initials should be provided to identify the person as one of the surveyors listed on the Wildlife Inventory Survey Description form.
The total number of survey visits to the Spot Mapping
Plot. Note: Each visit must be recorded in the Design
Component Visit section.
The dates [year/month/day, (YYYY/MM/DD)] on which the data on the form were gathered in the field. e.g. 1995/04/17.
The time at which surveying the specified Design
Component commences and finishes. Use the 24 hour clock.
Observations must be numbered so that each is unique within a Spot Mapping Plot. For each new Spot
Mapping Plot, start at 1 and continue numbering observations sequentially. Note: each Obs # must correspond to one bird or a cluster of birds mapped on consecutive days which hold one potential territory.
Mandatory
Optional
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
OBS_WOOD_SPMA_2.0 8
Animal Observation Form - Woodpecker Spot Mapping
Field Name
Spp
Description
The 5-letter code that uniquely identifies the taxa of the observed animal (the first letter has already been filled in). Species codes: see manual No. 2,
Vertebrates of BC. If it is not possible to identify the animal in the field, record the best taxonomic description possible.
Date 1st Detected The year/month/day (YYYY/MM/DD) on which a bird of a particular species was first detected.
Tot # Detect The number of times a particular bird is detected in the survey area.
Terr?
Comments
Indicate that a territory for a particular bird is present within the plot area by recording a '1'. For territories that occur along the edges of the plot, estimate the proportion of the territory enclosed within the plot and record it as a fraction. There is a minimum number of detections required before a territory can be accepted and this relates to the number of plot visits as follows (Arbib, 1970): Number of valid visits: 10 : 9 : 8 : 7 : 6 : 5. Number of corresponding detections: 3 : 3 : 3 : 2 : 2 : 2.
Additional information that may be relevant to the observation (freeform text).
Requirement
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Optional
OBS_WOOD_SPMA_2.0 9