bird survey

The following data was collected at Harlow Carr Gardens between May and November.

Two walkers took different routes around the gardens as shown on the maps.

Both walkers left point A and walked to point E. Walker 1 then went to point F and spent 5 minutes counting at point H. Counting then stopped. Walker 2 left E and walked to point Q via G, J and K. Walker 2 left E and spent 5 minutes counting at the herb garden. Counting then stopped.

They recorded the birds they saw and also birds they heard.

The overall total number of each type of bird from both routes were then recorded. Click here to view the results.

Analysis

Plot a bar chart of the total numbers of each bird observed.

For blackbirds, plot a graph of the average number of sightings for each month and indicate the range on your graph.

Evaluation

Over how long a period was the survey carried out? Look at the routes taken by the 2 walkers. List:

(i) 3 differences and (ii) 3 similarities between the routes.

Do you think this method of collecting data is reliable?

Can you suggest other ways the data could be collected.