ABI 150: Section A - Putting our Final Methods to the Test

 

First Full Data Collection at the Bypass: Putting our Final Methods to the Test

Introduction / Setting the Scene

Date: May 7^th, 2026

Location: Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (with a scouting stop at Davis Wetlands)

Morning Group: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Afternoon Group: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 

After multiple weeks of planning, revising methods, and refining our data sheets, Thursday marked our first full-scale field data collection day focused on Black-necked Stilts. Our main goal was to determine whether our finalized protocol would work under real field conditions and to identify any areas of the method that might still need clarification before data collection continues.

The morning began cold, foggy, and quiet, with temperatures in the low 50s and very little wind. By late morning and into the afternoon, conditions shifted to sunny, warmer weather, creating very different field conditions between the two groups. Because the two groups experienced different temperature, visibility, and bird activity patterns, Thursday became a good test of how our protocol changes across changing environmental conditions.

 

Methods Overview

Focal Species

Black-Necked Stilt

Observation Type

Focal animal behavioral observations with repeated interval sampling.

Variables Recorded

Our data sheets included:

·       Time budget behaviors
·       Foraging behaviors
·       Foraging rate
·       Distance to nearest neighbor
·       Bird ID information
·       Environmental conditions, disruptions, and additional notes

Equipment Used

·       Binoculars
·       Rangefinders
·       Clipboards
·       Printed ethograms/data sheets
·       Timers/phones
·       Compass/phone compass

Observation Structure

Each focal bird was observed in repeated intervals for a total of 7 minutes. Partners split responsibilities between observer and notetaker to improve consistency and reduce missed behaviors. Groups also switched roles between birds so that the more difficult tasks were not left to one person for the entire session.

One adjustment that came up in the field was how to count tactile foraging and beak dips. Many students found it easier to mentally count these behaviors instead of relying on the counting system we originally discussed. This may be worth standardizing so future data collection is consistent across observers.

Morning Group Field Notes

The morning group met at 6:30 AM and arrived at the site around 7:05 AM to begin scouting for stilts. Initial sightings were limited, with one stilt near the shoreline and two farther in the distance. At 7:10 AM, we officially began our first behavioral observations.

Early attempts at observations were somewhat challenging. Several birds flew away almost immediately after we approached or just as we had sat our chairs down, which highlighted how sensitive the stilts could be to movement, distance, and positioning. Despite some failed starts, both groups gradually located more stilts, and our datasets eventually expanded to eight individual stilts.

One interesting adaptation occurred after a relocation break around 8:26 AM. After spotting two stilts from inside the car, the two morning groups attempted collecting data from the warmth of the car. While surprisingly successful at reducing disturbance to the birds, it became logistically hectic and difficult to coordinate with two groups so close together. Although it worked temporarily, most of us agreed it would not be ideal as a standardized long-term method.

Throughout the morning, many students became noticeably more comfortable using rangefinders and estimating nearest-neighbor distances. Observer and notetaker confidence improved over the course of a single session, and by the end of the morning the two groups were able to gather 18 data sets.

Methodological Challenges in Practice

Thursday revealed a few challenges that were difficult to fully anticipate before we were actively collecting data in the field:

·       Maintaining continuous focal observations when birds moved quickly or flew away
·       Estimating nearest-neighbor distance consistently
·       Environmental interference such as glare, distance, and vegetation obstruction
·       Situations where focal birds have no visible nearest neighbor

One recurring issue involved determining how to handle birds flying overhead during observations and whether they should count as nearby neighbors. This became an important discussion point that we will later have to finalize in protocol clarification before the next round of data collection.

Another challenge was rangefinder consistency. In some situations, the rangefinder could not focus directly on the bird, leading groups to estimate distance using nearby vegetation or landscape markers instead. This worked as an on the spot field solution, but it should be finalized in the protocol, so everyone handles that instance in the same way.

Midday Group Discussion and Reflection

Between approximately 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM, the morning and afternoon groups met to discuss what worked, what failed, where confusion occurred, and what adjustments might improve the dataset moving forward.

A few main ideas emerged including that simpler behavioral counting methods improved efficiency, some categories in the ethogram may still need clarification, and environmental conditions strongly influenced bird detectability.

The morning group later briefly scouted the Davis Wetlands while the afternoon group continued observations at the bypass. No stilts were found at the wetlands site.

Afternoon Group Notes

The afternoon group met at 10:00 AM and headed out to meet the morning group at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. After a brief check-in, the morning group handed over the range finders so that the afternoon group could continue searching for stilts and collecting data. The weather was noticeably different from the morning conditions, with sunny skies, low wind, and temperatures rising into the high 70s to low 80s

The afternoon group divided into two groups of four and walked toward the location the morning group had found the most stilts. Many birds were disturbed by the group’s presence, so the observers tried to focus on more distant birds or sit quietly long enough to let the stilt’s settle.

During the first observation period, they rotated roles within each group and attempted to observe as many stilts as possible while staying within earshot of the other group to avoid observing the same bird. After a lunch break, the groups relocated and rearranged. One group did not find any stilts at the new location, while the second group was able to observe one.

Later in the day, while looking for more areas to observe, students spotted a few stilts from the car. They made a final lap around the main path but did not observe any additional stilts. Overall, the afternoon group collected 17 observations. A handful were incomplete because the focal bird moved out of view or flew away.

Because the morning group had recommended recording observers and start times, the afternoon group added those details to their data collection. After returning to campus, they regrouped the papers by stilt and began developing a stilt ID system based on start time and observer initials.

 

Data Management and Organization

Thursday also highlighted the importance of efficient data management before datasets become larger and more complex.

Several topics that still need discussion include:
·       Finalizing the layout of the Excel sheet
·       Standardizing bird IDs
·       How to handle missing or incomplete values
·       Formatting consistency, including species names and possible drop-down menus
·       How to avoid duplicate entries
·       Ensure a fast workflow for post-field data entry

 

Overall Takeaways

Overall, Thursday was successful because we collected valuable field data and learned how our protocol holds up under real conditions. The day showed that the groups can be flexible and adaptable when birds move, fly away, or become difficult to observe, but it also made it clear that because of this, clear standardization needs to be set in place. Moving forward, the goal is to use what we learned from this first collection day to make the next field sessions smoother and consistent.

 Bonus field moment: a crayfish was found hiding under Josie’s chair.

 

 Tentative Agenda for Monday

Main Goals

Monday’s session will focus on transforming Thursday’s field experience into a finalized and sustainable workflow for the rest of the quarter.

10:00 AM    Meet in Briggs Hall 158

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM    Opening Discussion & Session Goals

10:15 AM – 10:35 AM    Full Group Method Debrief

10:35 AM – 10:55 AM    Excel Sheet Finalization & Data Standardization

10:55 AM – 11:25 AM    Data Entry & Troubleshooting

11:25 AM – 11:40 AM    Future Analysis Brainstorming

11:40 AM – 11:50 AM    Blogger Talk!