2.3. Point count surveys
Relative abundance and species composition of breeding
birds were quantified using fixed-radius point counts (Ralph
et al., 1995). Between 21 May and 16 June of 2005 and 2006,
points were surveyed twice: once by each of two skilled
observers. The order in which points were visited varied each
round to account for within-morning variability in bird
detectability. We conducted surveys only in optimal weather
(i.e., no high winds, heavy fog, or rain), began at sunrise and
ended at 10 AM