The results of birds census in Syvash region in August 1998

Study Extent

The basic method was the absolute recording of birds in the sectors of wetlands: previously, the entire territory of Syvash was divided into separate accounting territories, which were plotted on maps. The coordinates of the centroid of each sector of the wetland are indicated as standard coordinates in the dataset table. In the coordinateUncertaintyInMeters field, the largest distance from the center of the plot to its borders is indicated. The coordinates of the plot center were determined in the free software QGIS, version 3.4.

Sampling

Synchronous bird counts were carried out at the entire wetland before the start of hunting in August. 17 ornithologists who were divided into 4 groups participated in the surveys. The movement was carried out on 4 off-road vehicles. Car, boat, pedestrian and spot counts were conducted. The water areas of small reservoirs were completely surveyed from the shore, large ones - from water transport. Linear accounting transects were carried out only in solid reed thickets. Observations were carried out with the help of 8-12x binoculars and 30-60x telescopes. All aquatic birds, as well as birds of prey and swallows, were taken into account. Only birds that used this transit territory and did not fly over it in transit were counted. In order to avoid duplication or misunderstanding, accounting work began in the morning after the departure of the birds from their resting places and ended before the beginning of the evening migrations. Counting was carried out from an optimal distance that did not allow birds to be alarmed and, at the same time, allowed the observer to accurately determine their species and number. The nomenclature follows the Catalog of Life.

Quality Control

The authors of the dataset are fully responsible for the quality of the published data.

Method steps

1. Conducting of a field survey within the previously chosen plot/wetland/land area according to the standard method.
2. Counting of the birds with simultaneous identification of species.
3. Creating maps of the records made.
4. Georeferencing and creating of the lists of registered species and specimens.
5. Organizing of the dataset according to the Darwin Core standards.

The dataset consists of records of birds only (class: Aves).

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

The dataset covers Syvash wetland (Kherson region and Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine).