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(Exhibit 11-3). By walking first one side and then the other, all the birds present could <br /> be counted. The total count of individuals of a given species for each side of the swale <br /> was recorded. The higher of the two numbers was retained as the number of individuals <br /> present for that particular census day. The census was repeated on three consecutive days <br /> and the three day average for each species was used as the number of individuals present. <br /> The Swale densities were converted to number of individuals /100 ac (40 ha) after the area <br /> of the block was determined. The farmstead/orchard habitat allowed complete sampling <br /> since, like the swale habitat, it presented a small discrete unit in which all birds could <br /> be counted (Exhibit 11-3). A single pass through this habitat was repeated on three <br /> consecutive days and the average number of individuals of each species was retained as the <br /> number of individuals present. After determining the area sampled, the densities were <br /> converted to number of individuals/100 ac (40 ha). <br /> The small bird fauna of the rangeland habitat was censured using a 525 x 55 yard (480 x <br /> 50m) belt transect (Exhibit 11-3). All individuals present in the 5.96 acre (2.4 ha) belt <br /> were recorded. The belt was traversed on three consecutive days and the three-day average <br /> of each species was retained as the number present. The results were converted to number <br /> of individuals/100 ac (40 ha). <br /> The small bird censuses were conducted in the spring and fall. The spring censuses were <br /> conducted on 27-29 May 1987. The fall censuses were conducted on 8-10 October 1987. All <br /> censusing took place from 0.5 hours before sunrise to approximately 3-3.5 hours after <br /> sunrise. The sequence in which each of the three habitats were censused during each <br /> three-day sampling period was altered so that each habitat was sampled at different times <br /> during the 3.5 to 4.0 hour daily sampling period. The weather during all censusing was <br /> clear and mild, with some breezes during the spring. <br /> The small bird density data was evaluated and compared using Whittaker's (1975) index of <br /> species diversity/richness (d) as follows: d = s/log A where, <br /> s = number of species (species richness) and <br /> A = area sampled in square meters. <br /> Reptiles and Amphibians. The occurrence and habitat affinities of reptiles and amphibians <br /> in the Nucla East study area was determined through incidental observations and specific <br /> searches. Habitats within and adjacent to the study area were searched by perambulating <br /> slowly through them turning rocks, logs, boards, etc. All reptile and amphibian <br /> observations made during the course of this study were recorded in species accounts <br /> journals. <br /> 11-2-10 Revised 04/11/88 <br />