Connecticut Ornithological Association
Volunteer Reporting Instructions for the State Natural Diversity Database.
The COA is cooperating with the DEP to provide breeding bird information to be included in the Natural Diversity Database (NDDB). The NDDB is the DEP inventory of threatened, endangered and special concern species and their habitats. It is referred to by all state agencies in preparation of environmental impact statements that are required before undertaking any actions that may significantly affect the environment, as defined by statute. Municipalities can also access the information in the NDDB for planning purposes.
Records in the NDDB are especially important, as only these records may be included in the environmental impact statements.
The COA has chosen thirteen listed species to focus on in 2002. The species are listed below. Reports on evidence of birds breeding between the dates listed below are requested on the special avian survey forms. Instructions for completing the forms follow the list of birds.
From To
· Pied-billed Grebe (E) May 1 Aug 1
· American Bittern (E) May 1 Aug 1
· Least Bittern (T) May 1 Aug 1
· Sharp-shinned Hawk (E) May 15 Aug 1
· American Kestrel (SC) May 1 Aug 1
· Common Moorhen (E) May 1 Sept 30
· Common Nighthawk (T) June 1 Aug 1
· Whip-poor-will (SC) May 1 Aug 1
· Horned Lark (T) April 1 Aug 1
· Brown Thrasher (SC) May 1 Aug 1
· Golden-winged Warbler (T) May 1 Aug 1
· Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow (SC) May 1 Sept 1
· Seaside Sparrow (SC) May 1 Sept 1
Evidence of breeding does not require finding a nest, but rather determining the appropriate breeding code, which range from observation of an individual in the nesting season to a nest with young. One report should be prepared at the end of the breeding season for each species at each location, showing the month and day on which you observed the highest level of breeding evidence. Breeding codes are found on the opposite side.
NDDB reports are not limited to just these species or to the breeding season. If you are interested in submitting other reports see these additional links.
Connecticut Breeding Bird Reporting Codes
Observed
X Species (male or female) observed during the breeding season.
Possible
O Species (male or female) observed in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season.
S Singing male(s) detected in suitable nesting habitat during its breeding season.
Probable
P Pair observed in suitable nesting habitat during their breeding season.
T Song or other behavioral evidence of territory establishment on at least two different days a week or more apart.
C Courtship behavior or copulation.
N Visiting probable nest site.
A Agitated behavior or "anxiety" calls from adult(s).
B Nest building by wrens or excavation of holes by woodpeckers.
FP Food pass. Observation of aerial food transfer between a pair of raptors.
Confirmed
NB Nest building by all except woodpeckers and wrens.
PE Physiological evidence of breeding [i.e., highly vascularized incubation (brood) patch or egg in oviduct based on bird in hand. For use by licensed bird banders only.
DD Distraction display or injury feigning.
FL Recently fledged young or downy young of Galliformes, shorebirds or waterfowl. Fledged young should be incapable of sustained flight.*
ON Occupied nest; adults incubating or entering or leaving an apparently occupied nest site (includes high nests or nest holes, the contents of which cannot be seen).
UN Used nest found; (Careful identification required).
AY Attending young; adults carrying fecal sac/food for young, or feeding recent fledglings.*
NE Nest with eggs. *
NY Nest with young seen or heard. *
Exact location information is critical in order to enable the record to be placed in the NDDB. GPS coordinates are the most desirable, however, a map (either printed or hand drawn) and detailed directions to the site are essential.
Completed forms should be sent to:
West of the CT River: Buzz Devine, 18 South Street, Plymouth, CT 06782.
East of the CT River: Dave Provencher, 43 Branch Hill Road, Preston, CT
06365.
Electronic Reports: COA web site.
http://www.ctbirding.org
Connecticut Ornithological Association
SPECIAL AVIAN SURVEY FORM
In support of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Natural Diversity Database
Species Name:
Date of Highest Level of Breeding Evidence:
Highest Level Breeding Code (from instruction sheet)
Observed:
Possible:
Probable:
Confirmed:
Habitat Description:
Site Location and Name: (include topo quad or coordinates if known*):
Directions to Site (include map, or hand drawn map*)
Land Ownership if known:
Comments:
Observer Data:
Name:
Address:
Tel:
E-mail:
Reverse side may be used for any additional information.
*A map can be printed or hand drawn but is needed to locate the exact spot the species was observed. This information about exactly where the species was observed is needed for relocation. Maps and coordinates may be obtained and emailed to COA using www.mapquest.com, www.terraserver.com, www.topozone.com, and other sites on the web.