North American
Avian Analysis in R
This project aims to analyze and visualize avian biodiversity data in North America using R. The project will focus on integrating, analyzing, and visualizing data from FeederWatch.
The analysis will include species richness, distribution, abundance, and trends over time. The results will be presented through interactive data visualizations and maps, which will provide insights into the current state of avian populations in North America and help inform conservation efforts.
SECTIONS
Spatial Analysis and Impact of Urbanization on Bird Populations
Geospatial Analysis Of Survey Sites
Birds are an integral part of our natural world, providing critical ecosystem services and serving as important indicators of environmental health. However, avian populations are facing numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. To protect and conserve avian populations, it is essential to understand their distribution and abundance.
Figure 1 shows the density and clustering of survey sites across North America. The results of the analysis revealed that the distribution of survey sites was clustered in certain areas of North America, particularly in the eastern and western regions. This clustering of sites could be influenced by factors such as accessibility, funding availability, and habitat availability.
Moreover, the analysis revealed a strong correlation between avian distribution and land cover type. Sites located in areas with high vegetation cover and diverse land cover types had a higher number of avian species than sites with less vegetation and less diverse land cover types. Additionally, it should be also noted that climate variables such as temperature and precipitation in line with how the survey site clusters are distributed throughout the region. These findings have significant implications for avian conservation efforts in North America. By identifying areas with high avian diversity and the environmental factors that impact avian populations,
conservationists can prioritize areas for protection and restoration efforts. Additionally, the results can inform land-use planning and management decisions to minimize the negative impact of human activities on avian populations.
Endangered Species Proportion & Its Consequence
Birds are a vital part of our planet's biodiversity, and they play an essential role in our ecosystem. However, many bird species are endangered due to various factors such as habitat destruction, climate change, hunting, and pollution. Endangered bird species are those whose populations have declined to the point where they are at risk of extinction. It is crucial to save endangered bird species to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and prevent further loss of biodiversity.
From our analysis, we learned that out of 701 reported species, 112 are classified as 'Safe'. 121 of the observed species are listed as either threatened or 'Endangered' under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Whereas 468 of remaining species are classified as 'Species of Concern'. These insights tell us that majority of avian biodiversity is endangered in general. These findings have severe consequences as bird species have been associated with various cultures, and their loss would lead to the loss of cultural and historical heritage. For example, the bald eagle is a symbol of the United States, and its loss would be a significant cultural loss.
Also, birds provide essential ecosystem services such as air and water purification. Birds are natural air purifiers, and their presence can reduce the levels of harmful pollutants in the air. Similarly, birds help in purifying water by consuming harmful organisms and maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
In conclusion, endangered bird species are a critical part of our ecosystem and need to be saved to maintain the balance of our ecosystem, preserve our cultural heritage, and provide essential ecosystem services. Saving endangered bird species requires a concerted effort from governments, conservation organizations, and the public.
Impact Of Urbanization On Bird Populations
Previous studies have suggested that urbanization and habitat fragmentation can negatively affect bird populations by reducing their nesting and foraging habitats. As cities expand and more people move into suburbs, the number of bird sightings tends to decrease due to the loss of natural habitats. However, other studies have found that some bird species can adapt to urban environments and even thrive in them. Therefore, it is important to examine the specific relationship between housing density and bird populations in North America.
Our analysis revealed a negative correlation between housing density and the number of bird sightings in North America using the FeederWatch dataset. As seen in Figure 3, The number of sightings dropped as the housing density surpassed 3. The housing density in this plot is the participant's estimated housing density of the neighborhood. We also had a hunch that perhaps season could also play a role in varying bird sightings due to them migrating, and from our analysis, we found that bird migration does play a role since colder months tend to have fewer bird sightings.
However, seasonal changes don't affect sightings in a definite manner as there are multiple records of a decent amount of sightings in colder months. Another notable observation is that some bird species can adapt to urban environments, and further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this adaptation.
Time-based Analysis of Bird Populations
Change In Bird Population Throughout The Years
Birdwatching is a popular activity in North America, with over 50 million birders enjoying the diverse avian species found in the continent. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in birdwatching and bird conservation, and researchers have been studying bird populations and distributions to better understand the factors that affect bird populations.
We analyzed data from the FeederWatch program to learn more about how the number of unique bird species has changed throughout the years. Our analysis revealed a steady increase in the number of unique bird species observed each year between 2015 and 2020. In 2015, a total of 444 unique species were observed, and this number increased to 586 by 2020, representing an increase of 31.9%. Figure 3 shows the trend in unique species of birds observed between 2015 and 2020.
The increase in unique bird species observed could be due to a variety of factors, including changes in climate, habitat restoration, and conservation efforts. For example, the increase in bird species observed could be due to climate change causing birds to shift their ranges or migration patterns, resulting in new species being observed in areas where they were previously absent. Habitat restoration efforts may also be contributing to the increase in bird species observed, as restored habitats may provide suitable conditions for a greater diversity of bird species.
Finally, conservation efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable bird species may be contributing to the increase in unique bird species observed, as protected areas may provide safe havens for threatened or endangered bird species. It is important to note that the increase in unique bird species observed could also be due in part to increased birdwatching activity and participation in citizen science projects like FeederWatch. However, this does not diminish the importance of the increase in unique bird species observed, as it still represents a positive trend in the diversity of bird species in North America.
Relationship Between Feeding Schedule And Bird Sightings
Many people set up feeders in their yards to attract birds from a variety of species. But does it really help in finding the rarest and most exotic birds? The common opinion says that it helps, but by how much?
Our analysis found a strong positive correlation between feeding schedules and bird sightings. Participants who reported feeding birds for more months out of the year had a higher average number of bird sightings. Figure 5 shows the difference in the number of bird sightings when particular locations have bird feeders installed compared to locations where there are no bird feeders. It is pretty evident from the chart that having a bird feeder will attract birds but what's surprising is the sheer difference it makes.
The chances of catching a glimpse of these tiny avians increase more than 10-fold when there are feeders present in the survey area. Our chart shows the observations on a log scale for a better interpretation. Overall, our analysis provides useful insights for bird enthusiasts who want to attract a diverse range of bird species to their yards. By providing food for birds over a longer period of time and with a greater variety of feeders, participants can increase their chances of seeing a variety of birds up close.
Avian Biome Preference and Snow Accumulation Analysis
Snow Accumulation & It's Influence On Avian Population
Snow accumulation is a significant environmental factor that has a profound influence on various ecological processes, including the survival and distribution of avian populations. The impact of snow on avian populations is multifaceted, affecting food availability, foraging behavior, and breeding success. In this article, we will explore how snow accumulation influences avian populations and the importance of understanding these effects for conservation efforts.
One of the primary ways in which snow accumulation affects avian populations is by limiting access to food. In the winter months, when food resources are scarce, many bird species rely on seeds, insects, and other invertebrates that are available in the snow-free areas of the ground. However, heavy snowfall can bury these food sources, making them inaccessible to the birds. This, in turn, can lead to reduced food availability and increased competition for limited resources. Keeping all these factors in mind, it's important to look at the data itself to better support our hypothesis of snow accumulation having an adverse effect on avian population.
From Figure 6, it is pretty evident that snow accumulation is negatively correlated to bird sightings. Sightings are very common and high number
when there is no snow and as the minimum depth for a particular location rises, the bird count decreases. Between 0 and 0.001 snow depth, the sightings decreases by 63.8%, after which the decreases becomes linear.
In Conclusion, snow accumulation has a significant influence on avian populations, affecting food availability, foraging behavior, and breeding success. As we continue to face a changing climate, it is essential to understand the impact of snow accumulation on bird populations and to develop strategies to mitigate its negative effects. By doing so, we can work to ensure the survival of these critical species and protect the vital ecological roles they play in our world.
The Birdwatcher's Dilemma: Balancing Time And Sightings
For many birdwatchers, there is a dilemma: how much time should they spend searching for birds versus actually observing them?
This dilemma can be seen in a visualization (Figure 7) that compares the average hours invested in birdwatching to the number of bird species sightings. The graph shows that as the number of hours invested in birdwatching increases, so does the number of bird species sightings. However, there is a point where the number of bird species sightings starts to level off or even decline, despite an increase in the time invested.
This dilemma can be attributed to several factors. First, the habitat of the birdwatching location plays a crucial role. Some areas may have a high diversity of bird species, while others may not. Spending more time in an area with fewer species may not yield any new sightings, whereas spending time in a more diverse area could lead to a larger number of sightings.
Second, the time of day also plays a role. Birds are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, which are prime times for birdwatching. However, spending too much time in the field during the middle of the day may not yield any sightings.
Third, weather conditions can also affect the number of bird species sightings. Birds are more active on sunny days, and may not be as visible during cloudy or rainy weather. In addition, the season can also play a role, with certain species being more visible during different times of the year. So, how can birdwatchers balance their time and increase their sightings? One approach is to plan ahead and research the area they will be visiting. Understanding the habitat, time of day, and weather conditions can help birdwatchers make the most of their time in the field. It's also important to be patient and observant, taking the time to scan the area carefully for any signs of bird activity.
Understanding Avian Biome Preference By Yard And Habitat Type
Birds inhabit a wide range of biomes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts, and are found in a variety of habitats, including backyards and natural areas. But which biomes do birds prefer, and how does their preference vary by yard and habitat type?
To explore this question, a visualization was created that shows avian biome preference by yard and habitat type. When examining biome preference by yard type, it becomes evident that birds tend to prefer landscape and wooded areas the most. However, sightings decrease significantly in Garden, Desert, and Pavement yard types.
Similarly, when considering biome preference by habitat type, natural areas like Mixed Woods, Fresh Water, and Woods have the highest observed bird populations. This can be attributed to the fact that these areas contain a mix of forest, shrubland, and grassland habitats, providing a suitable habitat for a diverse range of bird species.
It is worth noting that the highest bird populations are observed in residential areas, which may be influenced by a residence bias among birdwatchers who typically reside in urban settings. Nonetheless, the visualization offers valuable insights into avian distribution patterns and can guide conservation efforts to ensure the protection of these beautiful and essential creatures.
In conclusion, the avian biome preference by yard and habitat type visualization provides valuable insights into the bird species that are commonly observed in different settings. By understanding which biomes and habitats are preferred by different bird species, birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts can better target their efforts and increase their chances of observing a wide range of bird species.
Understanding Avian Feeder Preference
Feeding birds can contribute to bird conservation efforts. Bird watchers across North America have different kinds of feeding tools at their disposal which they can use to catch a glimpse of these exotic avians. To investigate the most effective feeder type among common bird species, we analyzed the dataset using data visualization techniques. We focused on the 5 most frequently observed bird species and compared their feeding preferences for different feeder types, including hopper, tube, suet, platform, and other feeder types.
Our analysis revealed that different feeder types were preferred by different bird species. For example, the Moublu and Foxspa was most frequently observed on tube feeders, while the Batpig preferred Humming and Tube feeders.
We also found that some feeder types were more popular than others among the surveyed bird species. Tube feeders were the most commonly used feeder types, followed by suet and humming feeders. Platform feeders were the least commonly used feeder type among the surveyed bird species.
Interestingly, some bird species showed a preference for multiple feeder types. For example, the Batpig and Pasfly was frequently observed on both Humming and Tube feeders, while the Hoard was frequently observed on both suet and tube feeders. Our analysis suggests that using a variety of feeder types can attract a diverse range of bird species to your backyard. However, it is important to note that feeder preferences may vary by region, season, and other factors, so it is always a good idea to research the feeding preferences of the bird species in your area before setting up a feeder.
In conclusion, feeding preferences of common bird species and can be a useful tool for bird enthusiasts and conservationists. By using the right feeder types, we can help support the health and survival of our feathered friends while enjoying their beauty and diversity in our own backyards.
Relationship Between Effort Hours Invested And Bird Sightings
In this section, we explore the distribution of effort hours amongst different bird species using the FeederWatch dataset. Specifically, we focus on the participant estimate of survey time for each checklist (EFFORT_HRS_ATLEAST) and analyze how this metric varies across different bird species.
One important aspect of bird watching is the amount of time spent observing and recording bird sightings. The FeederWatch dataset provides information on the hours spent observing birds, which can provide valuable insights into bird populations and behavior. Effort hours are an important metric in bird watching because they can help researchers understand the distribution of bird populations across different habitats and regions. By analyzing the distribution of effort hours, researchers can identify areas where bird populations may be declining or where conservation efforts are needed.
This can also help researchers understand the behavior of different bird species. For example, some bird species may be more active during certain times of the day or in certain weather conditions. As evident from Figure 10, majority of participants spent less than 300 hours between 2016 and 2020. The mean hour spent birdwatching was around 180 cumulative hours. The fact that most of the sightings surfaced under less than 300 cumulative hours can be attributed to various factors such as the behavior and feeding habits of different bird species, as well as the availability of food sources and other environmental factors.