Protocols For NRDA Surveys Bird Injury Quantification

### Sampling Objectives

• Quantify number and species of oiled birds, the condition of those
birds (e.g., live, dead, entered for rehab, state of decomposition and
scavenging), and the sampling effort for the surveys.

-   Quantify by species, by specified sampled or census areas, and by
    time period sampled, the number of live birds at risk from the oil
    spill and the percentage of observed birds that are oiled.

    NOTE: This protocol is only a summary that lists considerations to
    be factored into bird surveys.

## Survey Equipment/Supplies

• Personnel protective equipment • "Clicker counters", camera/film

• Survey segment maps and sampling plans • Binoculars, spotting scope

• Wildlife field observation forms • GPS receiver units

• Standard avian guide book • Cellular phones or VHF radios

### • Label tags, markers, clipboard, pencils, clippers • Paper bags, boxes, aluminum foil

### Preparation Procedures

• The Wildlife Survey Coordinator should review current information on
the trajectory of the oil on the water/shoreline and conduct an
overflight, to identify species, locations, and number of birds present
and potentially at risk, so the wildlife survey can be properly planned.

• Coordinate with the rehab center to make sure that proper records,
storage, chain-of-custody procedures are being followed. Obtain wildlife
collection permits, if required.

• Organize wildlife teams (min. two people) to search spill areas daily,
starting at first light to minimize scavenger loss, until there is no
longer a risk of oiling to birds or stranding of dead birds.

• For shoreline surveys, divide the spill area into shoreline segments
by geographic features or geomorphology (i.e., river mile, shoreline
type). Strongly recommend using SCAT segments.

-   Determine for each survey if it will be a [census]{.underline}
    (quantify all birds in a defined area) or [sampled]{.underline},
    based on extent of the area to be surveyed and personnel/equipment
    available.

• For counts of birds on water, divide water bodies into set survey
areas based on visibility from access points, habitat type, natural
breaks, left/right river banks, and extent of oiling.

• Assign each wildlife team a specific survey area or group of segments
to survey, along with an alpha-numeric code (or use SCAT coding) for all
segments and maps of the area. Systematic delineation of the location
and extent of survey areas is extremely important.

• Conduct surveys by foot or boat depending on shoreline accessibility,
the types of birds at risk, and where birds are expected to be. Conduct
aerial surveys to count the number of birds at risk; record flight track
with GPS, if available, but also mark on paper maps for backup.

-   Use a zig-zag search pattern when searching for bird carcasses on
    shorelines. On water, the search pattern should consider currents,
    winds, and potential movement of carcasses during the survey,
    surveying from down current and down wind first so as to not miss
    animals.

-   Each [sampled]{.underline} survey should have a defined sampling
    plan, with defined transects or sample areas laid out to
    quantitatively sample each potential habitat or zone where bird
    numbers might vary. Replicate samples should be taken to allow
    estimates of uncertainty to be made.

-   Use an avian guide to become familiar with bird species in the area
    at the time of the spill (esp. threatened and endangered species)
    and variations in species (wing patterns, body shape and size). ID
    morphological variations (plumage, bill size) for different ages and
    sexes of a given species. At a minimum, birds should be identified
    according to behavioral guilds such as:

> a\) wading birds (egrets, herons) b) seabirds (gulls, terns, murres)
>
> c\) shorebirds (plovers, sandpipers) d) waterfowl (ducks, geese,
> loons)
>
> e\) raptors (osprey, eagle, hawks) f) passerines (sparrows, warblers)
>
> Groups may be further divided into more specific categories (e.g., sea
> ducks, dabbling ducks).

-   Observe from a safe location roosting/breeding colonies for oiling
    or spill-related disturbances.

-   To assess rates of carcass stranding, scavenging, burial, etc. refer
    to Carter and Page (1988).

### Survey Guidelines

1\. When searching the shoreline for bird carcasses keep in mind that
they may be hard to recognize due to scavenging, or from being covered
by oil, debris, or vegetation.

2\. For each carcass, record the location within the segment (i.e.,
subtidal, high tide line, wetlands) and the collection time and date.
Where appropriate, record the carcass location on a map, using an
identification number assigned to each carcass.

3.  Record the species, condition, age, sex, evidence of oiling, and
    evidence of scavenging for each carcass. Do not guess at the
    species; select the appropriate guild or label as unknown, and
    record a description of the bird on the wildlife observation form
    (WFO) form. Carcass condition should be recorded as: a) fresh dead
    (no signs of decomposition), b) decomposing (rotting flesh is
    evident), c) decomposed (only skin, feathers, and bone present, no
    rotting flesh visible, no signs of recent scavenging), and d)
    unknown. Do not assume when only finding skin, feathers, and bone of
    a carcass that it is decomposed. Check for evidence of scavenging
    (small shreds of flesh found near bone) before recording condition.
    Age and sex can be evaluated using an avian guide book. Evidence of
    oiling on the bird should be recorded; suggested terminology is:

[None]{.underline}: no visible oiling [Light]{.underline}: oil spots,
staining, or bands \< 10% of the bird

[Medium]{.underline}: oil spots, staining, or bands that cover between
10-50% of the bird

[Heavy]{.underline}: oil covering \> 50% of the bird

4.  If removing carcasses, collect each carcass in a separate paper bag,
    cardboard box, or wrap in aluminum foil. Start the chain of custody
    record. Record carcass ID, shoreline segment code, and date/time in
    permanent marker on a label tag, and place tag in bag. Notify
    rehabilitation or collection teams for pick up of carcass bags. If
    bagging and collection of carcasses is not possible or if carcasses
    are being left in place as part of a "natural removal rate" study,
    clip a pre-specified toe on the dead bird to prevent double counting
    on a future survey.

5.  For live birds, record the number, species, sex, age class, and
    locations of live birds in the shoreline segment or on the water,
    degree of oiling observed on the birds (use definitions above), and
    if they are immobile or free flying. Plot locations of live birds on
    the map, as appropriate.

6.  Do not attempt to capture oiled birds, but report them to the rehab
    center by radio for capture.

7.  Record latitude and longitude at all locations required to define
    the area surveyed. Record time of survey (start and end), transect
    sampling width, weather and wave conditions, visibility, and other
    variables that would define the effort and thoroughness of the
    survey.

8.  Make all notes in pencil or indelible ink (regular ink will smear
    when wetted).

9.  Photodocument as much as feasible oiled/non-oiled birds in the
    field, carcasses, etc.

[References]{.underline}

California Department of Fish and Game. 2001. Wildlife Response Plan for
California. Office of Spill Prevention and Response. Sacramento,
California. At: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/Ospr/index.html.

Carter, H.R. and G.W. Page. 1988. Central California oil spill
contingency plan: Assessment of numbers and species of dead beached
birds. Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.

Ford, R.G, G.K. Himes Boor, J.C. Ward. 2001. Seabird mortality resulting
from the *M/V New Carissa* oil spill incident February and March 1999.
R.G. Ford Consulting Co., Portland, OR. 45p. + app.

NOAA. 1997. Natural Resource Damage Assessment Emergency Guidance
Manual, Version 3.1.Silver Spring, MD: Damage Assessment Center,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 116p. + app.

Sperduto, M., C. Hebert, J. Myers, and G. Haas. 1998. Estimate of total
acute mortality to birds resulting from the North Cape oil spill, South
Kingstown, Rhode Island, January 19, 1996. U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. 20p. + app.

NOAA. 2000. Shoreline Assessment Manual, Third Edition. HAZMAT Rep.
2000-1. Seattle, WA: Hazardous Materials Response and Assessment
Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 54p. + app