Survey Information and Protocol

LSU Bird-window Collision Survey Protocols

1. Select study building and date of survey through the LSU Bird-window Collision Survey Calendar

a. Make sure your dates, times, and selected study buildings do not overlap with those of another volunteer

b. Aim to conduct surveys in the early afternoon

c. Monitor weather conditions for selected survey dates and times; survey during mornings if inclement weather expected during normal survey times

2. When conducting surveys, collect data only within a 2m wide perimeter around building exteriors.

3. Make a single complete and systematic pass around each building.

a. Be sure to look thoroughly, including within and under obstacles such as shrubs, trashcans, benches, etc.

4. If collision evidence found:

a. Through the iNaturalist software, upload clear, identifiable photographs of the specimen as found along with the side of the building the collision is expected to have occurred (usually the area directly facing the carcass)

b. Complete the LSU Bird-window Collision Data Form for each piece of evidence found, accessed through the link on iNaturalist (link below), or through the research initiative webpage

c. Collect the specimen:

i. Using a Ziploc bag inverted over your hand, collect the carcass/feather pile

ii. Fill out the Carcass ID label provided by the LSU Museum of Natural Science (link available below) and place with the evidence in a second bag

iii. Deliver the specimen to either the LSU Museum of Natural Science (preferable) or to the office of Dr. Phil Stouffer in the Renewable Natural Resources Department.

Important Links