On Sat, 2 Dec 1995, Michelsen, Teresa wrote:
>
> Since no-one else has mentioned it, I've put down two techniques that help
> me when trying to count large flocks of mobile birds:
>
> Another general rule is, when in doubt, round up. There are almost always
> more birds than you think, you just can't see them all most of the time. My
> first estimate of the flock above was 70, until they actually sat for a few
> minutes in two trees where I had very good visibility and could get a good
> count.
This is a good point!! Everyone of the responses which I received with
regard to CBC class said we tend to underestimate. I know I do, thinking
I am being conservative.

>
> Hope that helps - I would love to hear anyone else's techniques.
>
When my dad and I do Xmas counts together, we will both make a guess at a
flcok and then take an average--however, the compiler will look askew at
us when we report 564.5 starlings. Gets even worse when we get in bigger
parties and we start getting a quarter of a bird (which is tasty in
chickens but not useful elsewhere). :')
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray Korpi "Under transient skies
Hm: Portland, OR I cannot hobble change,
Wk: Clark College Not now or ever."
Vancouver, WA --William Kloefkorn
rkorpi at clark.edu From _Alvin_Turner_as_Farmer_, #16