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Broedvogels - Atlas of the breeding birds in Flanders 2000-2002

Dataset homepage

Citation

Vermeersch G, Anselin A, Devos K, Herremans M, Stevens J, Gabriëls J, Van Der Krieken B, Brosens D, Desmet P (2021). Broedvogels - Atlas of the breeding birds in Flanders 2000-2002. Version 1.6. Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO). Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/sccg5a accessed via GBIF.org on 2023-02-03.

Description

Broedvogels - Atlas of the breeding birds in Flanders 2000-2002 is a species occurrence dataset published by the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO). The dataset contains more than 330,000 bird observations, collected during three breeding seasons (2000, 2001, 2002) using a standardized field methodology using a 5km x 5km square grid system covering all of Flanders, Belgium (645 squares) as well as up to eight 1km x 1km sample squares within each larger square. Test data from 1999 and additional data to increase coverage from 2003 are also included. The dataset includes information on 197 taxa, of which 183 species (13 exotic) and 3 subspecies are considered breeding in Flanders. The data are released in bulk as open data. See the dataset metadata or the paper Bird Census News 2004 1/2: 35-47 (http://www.ebcc.info/wpimages/video/BCN_17_1&2.pdf) for contact information, scope and methodology. Issues with the dataset can be reported at https://github.com/LifeWatchINBO/data-publication/tree/master/datasets/broedvogel-atlas-occurrences

To allow anyone to use this dataset, we have released the data to the public domain under a Creative Commons Zero waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). We would appreciate it however if you read and follow these norms for data use (http://www.inbo.be/en/norms-for-data-use) and provide a link to the original dataset (https://doi.org/10.15468/sccg5a) whenever possible. If you use these data for a scientific paper, please cite the dataset following the applicable citation norms and/or consider us for co-authorship. We are always interested to know how you have used or visualized the data, or to provide more information, so please contact us via the contact information provided in the metadata, opendata@inbo.be or https://twitter.com/LifeWatchINBO.

Purpose

The first atlas of breeding birds in Flanders was published in 1988 and was based on fieldwork conducted between 1973-1977 (Devillers et al. 1988). For almost three decades, this work provided the only information available on the distribution and abundance of all breeding bird species in Flanders. Although several species-specific projects were subsequently undertaken, it was not until 1994 that a monitoring programme for rare, colonial and exotic bird species was initiated. This was coordinated by the then Institute of Nature Conservation (IN), now the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), a research institute of the Flemish Government. Although this project provided very useful information that could be used for defining special protection areas (SPAs), it was clear that the rest of the breeding avifauna, including common species, was experiencing major changes. As a direct response, during 1998, a new comprehensive breeding atlas project was launched by the INBO in collaboration with several other organizations and financed by the Flemish Government.

Sampling Description

Study Extent

During the 1999 breeding season, an inventory of several atlas squares was produced as a test. The method used in that first season replicated the one used in the Dutch atlas project (Sovon 2002) and was also based on the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection to divide Flanders into an internationally recognized grid of 5km x 5km squares. Fieldwork was organized in such a way that less-experienced ornithologists were able to take part in the project. It was carried out during the breeding seasons of 2000, 2001 and 2002. In 2003, a few additional squares were surveyed in order to increase coverage. Many birdwatchers were involved, organized at a local level by regional coordinators and overseen by a national coordinator and professional INBO staff. The largest volunteer organization in Flanders, Natuurpunt, was primarily involved in organizing the volunteer structure. In general, fieldwork consisted of surveys on both 5km x 5km and 1km x 1km scales and a total of 645 squares had to be surveyed. The main aims of the atlas were as follows: * to assess the current distribution of all breeding bird species in Flanders * to assess their relative abundance where possible * to create detailed population estimates for around 65 % of all species * to gather exact location data for all rare, colonial and exotic breeding bird species throughout Flanders

Sampling

In each 5km x 5km square, volunteers were initially asked to try and locate as many breeding bird species as possible and to assess both numbers and locations of a selected sub-set of species. In doing so, they were free to choose the time and duration of their observations, although a few general guidelines were provided. Subsequently, as part of a standardized fieldwork procedure, they were required to make two one-hour long visits to sets of eight fixed 1km x 1km squares. Each volunteer was provided with a 1:10.000 scale map of each 5km x 5km square on which the 1km x 1km squares were also indicated and several forms were issued to record their data. As with the Dutch method, the species list was constructed to include a classification of breeding status, i.e. possible, probable or confirmed breeding. The aim of the hour long counts was to construct relative abundance maps and during each hour a 5 minute point count was performed in the middle of every square. These short duration point counts fine-tuned these maps in the case of common species, which were often recorded during the hour count, irrespective of their relative abundance. During the hour counts, observers were asked to record all breeding bird species present and to provide counts of the number of breeding pairs/territories for a selection of species. The sampling method is described in more detail in Bird Census News 2004 1/2: 35-47.

Quality Control

All data obtained from atlas fieldwork were collected on standard recording forms. These were sent to the regional coordinator who checked them thoroughly and contacted volunteers in case of any obvious anomalies. Following this first step, data were sent to the INBO where they were checked once more before being entered in an SQL-database. Forms were printed from the database which were returned to the individual volunteers. They were asked to check the lists one final time in order to ensure accuracy. After the final breeding season, the completed lists for each region were sent to the relevant coordinators asking them to provide extra information on the annual numbers of some colonial or rare breeding bird species per square. For some pioneer species like Sand Martin and Avocet or obvious species like Rook, we wanted to be able to estimate the numbers in each of the three atlas years. Technology also presented a convenient way of double-checking data. By posting preliminary versions of species maps (distribution, numbers and relative abundance) on a frequently updated website (http://broedvogels.inbo.be), volunteers were able to easily provide many useful comments. The site also provided the opportunity to submit records from outside the census procedures, resulting in over 60.000 extra observations. These observations were also submitted to regional coordinators for them to assess credibility and accuracy. Afterwards, if the observations enhanced the information per square, they were incorporated, although they could be traced at all times.

Method steps

  1. For each 5km x 5km square ("atlashok"), volunteers were asked to try and locate as many breeding bird species as possible and to assess both numbers and locations of a selected subset of species. The volunteer could choose how many visits to make and for how long, although it was advised to visit for 30-50 hours and to visit in early morning. This method is indicated in the data as follows: * occurrenceID: contains AH (for "atlashok") * locationID: code of the "atlashok" * verbatimCoordinates: MRGS code of the "atlashok" * decimalLatitude/longitude: centroid of 5km x 5km "atlashok" * samplingMethod: Bird Census News 2004 1/2 p.36 * samplingEffort: number of observation hours * sampleSize: 25 square kilometer * eventDate: date range for the observation * scientificName: observed species * individualCount: number of breeding pairs for that species * behavior: breeding status
  2. In a more standardized method, the volunteer was required to make two one-hour long visits to a set of eight fixed 1km x 1km squares ("kilometerhok") in each 5km x 5km square: once between April 1 to May 15 and once between May 16 and June 30.
  3. In the one-hour visit, the volunteer traversed the 1km x 1km square for 55 minutes and noted all breeding species. This method is indicated in the data as follows: * occurrenceID: contains KM (for "kilometerhok") * locationID: code of the "atlashok" * verbatimCoordinates: MRGS code of the "kilometerhok" * decimalLatitude/longitude: centroid of 1km x 1km "kilometerhok" * samplingMethod: Bird Census News 2004 1/2 p.36 * samplingEffort: 55 minutes * sampleSize: 1 square kilometer * eventDate: specific date of the observation * scientificName: observed species * individualCount: number of breeding pairs for that species * behavior: no breeding status information
  4. In the one-hour visit, the volunteer also did a 5 minute point count near the center of the 1km x 1km square, with a radius of 100m. This method is indicated in the data as follows: * occurrenceID: contains PT (for "punttelling") * locationID: code of the "atlashok" * verbatimCoordinates: MRGS code of the "kilometerhok" * decimalLatitude/longitude: centroid of 1km x 1km "kilometerhok" * samplingMethod: Bird Census News 2004 1/2 p.36 * samplingEffort: 5 minutes * sampleSize: 1 square kilometer * eventDate: specific date of the observation * scientificName: observed species * individualCount: no information * behavior: no breeding status information
  5. The data also includes loose observations. This method is indicated in the data as follows: * occurrenceID: contains LW (for "losse waarneming") * locationID: code of the "atlashok" * verbatimCoordinates: MRGS code of the "atlashok" * decimalLatitude/longitude: centroid of 5km x 5km "atlashok" * samplingMethod: loose observations * samplingEffort: no information * sampleSize: 25 square kilometer * eventDate: specific date of the observation * scientificName: observed species * individualCount: number of breeding pairs for that species * behavior: breeding status

Taxonomic Coverages

The dataset covers breeding birds in Flanders, Belgium and includes 193 species. The top 3 recordings are Turdus merula, Columba palumbus, and Troglodytes troglodytes.
  1. Animalia
    common name: animals rank: kingdom
  2. Chordata
    rank: phylum
  3. Aves
    common name: birds rank: class
  4. Accipitridae
    common name: hawks, eagles, kites, etc. rank: family
  5. Aegithalidae
    common name: bushtits rank: family
  6. Alaudidae
    common name: larks rank: family
  7. Alcedinidae
    common name: river kingfishers rank: family
  8. Anatidae
    common name: ducks, geese & swans rank: family
  9. Apodidae
    common name: swifts rank: family
  10. Ardeidae
    common name: herons rank: family
  11. Caprimulgidae
    common name: nightjars rank: family
  12. Certhiidae
    common name: treecreepers rank: family
  13. Charadriidae
    common name: plovers, dotterels & lapwings rank: family
  14. Ciconiidae
    common name: storks rank: family
  15. Cisticolidae
    common name: warblers rank: family
  16. Columbidae
    common name: pigeons & doves rank: family
  17. Corvidae
    common name: corvids rank: family
  18. Cuculidae
    common name: cuckoos rank: family
  19. Emberizidae
    common name: buntings rank: family
  20. Falconidae
    common name: falcons rank: family
  21. Fringillidae
    common name: true finches rank: family
  22. Haematopodidae
    common name: oystercatchers rank: family
  23. Hirundinidae
    common name: swallows & martins rank: family
  24. Laniidae
    common name: shrikes rank: family
  25. Laridae
    common name: gulls rank: family
  26. Meropidae
    common name: bee-eaters rank: family
  27. Motacillidae
    common name: wagtails, longclaws & pipits rank: family
  28. Muscicapidae
    common name: Old World flycatchers rank: family
  29. Oriolidae
    common name: Old World orioles rank: family
  30. Paridae
    common name: tits, chickadees & titmice rank: family
  31. Passeridae
    common name: sparrows rank: family
  32. Phalacrocoracidae
    common name: cormorants rank: family
  33. Phasianidae
    common name: pheasants, partridges, etc. rank: family
  34. Picidae
    common name: woodpeckers rank: family
  35. Podicipedidae
    common name: grebes rank: family
  36. Prunellidae
    common name: accentors rank: family
  37. Psittacidae
    common name: parrots rank: family
  38. Rallidae
    common name: rails rank: family
  39. Recurvirostridae
    common name: avocets & stilts rank: family
  40. Regulidae
    common name: kinglets rank: family
  41. Remizidae
    common name: penduline tits rank: family
  42. Scolopacidae
    common name: sandpipers rank: family
  43. Sittidae
    common name: nuthatches rank: family
  44. Strigidae
    common name: true owls rank: family
  45. Sturnidae
    common name: starlings rank: family
  46. Sylviidae
    common name: Old World warblers rank: family
  47. Threskiornithidae
    common name: ibises & spoonbills rank: family
  48. Troglodytidae
    common name: wrens rank: family
  49. Turdidae
    common name: thrushes rank: family
  50. Tytonidae
    common name: barn-owls rank: family
  51. Upupidae
    common name: hoopoes rank: family

Geographic Coverages

Flanders, Belgium

Bibliographic Citations

  1. Vermeersch G., Anselin A., Devos K., Herremans M., Stevens J., Gabriëls J., Van Der Krieken B. (2004a) Atlas of the breeding birds in Flanders 2000-2002. Bird Census News 2004 1/2: 35-47. - http://www.ebcc.info/wpimages/video/BCN_17_1&2.pdf
  2. Vermeersch G., Anselin A., Devos K., Herremans M., Stevens J., Gabriëls J. & Van Der Krieken B. (2004b) Atlas van de Vlaamse broedvogels 2000-2002. Mededelingen van het Instituut voor Natuurbehoud 23, Brussel, 496p. - ISBN 90-403-0215-4

Contacts

Glenn Vermeersch
originator
position: Researcher
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
Kliniekstraat 25
Brussels
1070
Brussels Capital Region
BE
email: glenn.vermeersch@inbo.be
Anny Anselin
originator
position: Researcher
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
Kliniekstraat 25
Brussels
1070
Brussels Capital Region
BE
email: anny.anselin@inbo.be
Koen Devos
originator
position: Researcher
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
Kliniekstraat 25
Brussels
1070
Brussels Capital Region
BE
email: koen.devos@inbo.be
Marc Herremans
originator
position: Diensthoofd Studie
Natuurpunt
Coxiestraat 11
Mechelen
2800
Antwerp
BE
email: marc.herremans@natuurpunt.be
homepage: http://www.natuurpunt.be
Jan Stevens
originator
Limburgse Koepel voor Natuurstudie, Vogelwerkgroep
Provinciaal Natuurcentrum, Craenevenne 86
Genk
3600
Limburg
BE
Jan Gabriëls
originator
position: Coordinator
Limburgse Koepel voor Natuurstudie, Vogelwerkgroep
Provinciaal Natuurcentrum, Craenevenne 86
Genk
3600
Limburg
BE
Bert Van Der Krieken
originator
Natuurpunt
Coxiestraat 11
Mechelen
2800
Antwerp
BE
homepage: http://www.natuurpunt.be
Dimitri Brosens
originator
position: Data liaison officer
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
Kliniekstraat 25
Brussels
1070
Brussels Capital Region
BE
email: dimitri.brosens@inbo.be
homepage: http://www.biodiversity.be
userId: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0846-9116
Peter Desmet
originator
position: Data lab coordinator
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
Kliniekstraat 25
Brussels
1070
Brussels Capital Region
BE
email: peter.desmet@inbo.be
homepage: http://lifewatch.inbo.be
userId: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8442-8025
Glenn Vermeersch
metadata author
position: Researcher
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
Kliniekstraat 25
Brussels
1070
Brussels Capital Region
BE
email: glenn.vermeersch@inbo.be
Dimitri Brosens
metadata author
position: Data liaison officer
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
Kliniekstraat 25
Brussels
1070
Brussels Capital Region
BE
email: dimitri.brosens@inbo.be
homepage: http://www.biodiversity.be
userId: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0846-9116
Peter Desmet
metadata author
position: Data lab coordinator
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
Kliniekstraat 25
Brussels
1070
Brussels Capital Region
BE
email: peter.desmet@inbo.be
homepage: http://lifewatch.inbo.be
userId: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8442-8025
Glenn Vermeersch
administrative point of contact
position: Researcher
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
Kliniekstraat 25
Brussels
1070
Brussels Capital Region
BE
email: glenn.vermeersch@inbo.be
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