Findings of birds (Aves) in the Northern Azov region (Ukraine) during 2004-2022

Study Extent

Most of the material was collected during bird counting while driving at low speed and stops of various durations. Stoppages made it possible to determine accurately the species (subspecies, morphs) of birds, their number, age, and sex, as well as to maximum observation of the area, especially in conditions of poor visibility. All species of birds at any distance were registered. The author of this dataset cooperated with Andriushchenko Yu. O., Bronskova O. M., Bui H. O., Chaika M. O., Molodan H. M., Mosin H. H., Popenko V. M., Pylypenko D. V., Shabanov O. V. and my other colleagues who participated in separate bird counts. This dataset was prepared and published with the help of Olin gGmbH foundation in order to save the scientific data on Ukrainian biodiversity from scientists who had to relocate from their homeland as a result of war (Russian invasion to Ukraine). Olin gGmbH is a funding organisation for environmental protection and conservation, that supports environmental and sociopolitical organisations.

Sampling

The coordinates of each registration were recorded only in some particular cases. In vast majority of registrations each bird encountered was assigned to a certain accounting area of ​​any shape, but recorded and visualized using GIS-software. The configuration of the accounting areas generally coincided with certain landscape features that are characterized by more or less homogeneous natural and anthropogenic conditions. The areas considered too large were divided into parts regarding the convenience of bird accounting. The area of ​​accounting plots ranged from 8 to 3,500 hectares and averages 510 hectares. The coordinates of the site centroid were determined in the free QGIS software. Selective bird counts were conducted on hiking trails. The dataset also includes some random observations of birds that may be valuable for the inventory of avifauna of the region during the study period. The information provided in the database is not comprehensive. Observations were carried out with the help of 10-12-X binoculars. If possible, photographs were taken. Geographical locations were indicated by GPS-navigator in decimal degrees according to the WGS84 coordinate system. The route was recorded using various free mobile applications, which, if necessary, allows to calculate the number of birds encountered at certain length of the route within each accounting area. The nomenclature follows the Catalog of Life.

Quality Control

The author is fully responsible for the quality of data provided within the published dataset.

Method steps

1. Conducting of field surveys.
2. Visual, audial and other registrations of birds.
3. Indentification of species (subspecies, genus, family, morph).
4. GPS-tracking, counting, georeferencing.
5. Organizing of a dataset according to Darwin Core standards.

The dataset consists of exclusively findings of birds (Aves).

1. Animalia
   rank: kingdom
2. Chordata
   rank: phylum
3. Aves
   rank: class

The dataset consists of findings registered within the southern districts of Donetsk and Zaporzhizhia regions (Oblast’) of Ukraine.