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APPENDIX IV 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR RAPTOR SURVEY ROUTES 



DATES OF WINTER ROUTES should be completed between January 1 and January 20, 

 SURVEY Inclusive. SUMMER ROUTES should be completed between May 15 and 



June 5, Inclusive. When unavoidable, surveys may be extended one 



week. 



) 



WEATHER Do not conduct survey when (1) wind velocity exceeds Beaufort 3; 

 CONDITIONS (2) sky condition exceeds 2. 



STARTING TIME WINTER ROUTES start as near 9:00 AM as possible. SUMMER ROUTES 

 start as near 7:30 AM as possible. Try to complete route within 

 4 hours. 



SURVEY Drive route at 20-25 mph, stopping only to identify and record 

 PROCEDURES raptors. Binoculars should be used to locate and identify 



raptors. Spotting scopes may be used for identification, but 

 not for scanning an area. Carry a field guide for aid in 

 identification. When possible, classify raptors as adult or 

 immatures. Make a special effort to avoid recording the same 

 bird more than once. Record time, mileage, wind velocity and 

 sky condition at start and finish. Use the 2A00 hour system for 

 recording time. 



OBSERVERS If possible, two people should conduct the survey along each route. 

 Include names of both observers on the report form. Where only 

 one observer is involved, extra time may be required. 



Suggestions for Estimating Wind Velocity 



Direction of wind shown by smoke drift, 

 but not by wind vanes. 



Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, 

 ordinary wind vane moves. 



Leaves and small twigs in constant 

 motion; wind extends light flag. 



SKY 

 CONDITIONS 



- Clear 



1 - Partly cloudy or variable 



2 - Cloudy (broken) or overcast 



4 - Fog or smoke 



5 - Drizzle 

 8 - Showers 



