This packet consists of five parts: (1) an introduction, (2) a procedure for carrying out the count, (3) a road map of how to locate your assigned Sector (click here for an example - Sector 19), (4) a detailed map of your assigned Sector on which to record your observations (click here for an example - Sector 19), and (5) a summary datasheet on which to tally your observations (click here for an example).
Thank you for participating in this year’s Annual Squirrel Count being conducted by the White Squirrel Research Institute in association with the Heart of Brevard. This survey will help us monitor the distribution and abundance of Brevard’s resident white squirrel population. The data from this year’s count will be available to the public on our website (currently at www.whitesquirrelinstitute.com). In the meantime you may wish to examine the website for results of previous counts and other squirrel information.
The entire study area is approximately three square miles following the original city limits with Brevard Middle School to the north, Brevard High School to the south, Brevard Elementary School to the east, and Brevard Music Center to the west. It is divided into 35 Sectors each of which is approximately 20-30 acres in size. In the past we have attempted to carry out the entire count simultaneously (from 8:00-10:00 a.m. on the first three Saturdays of October). That did not prove to be practical. We now prefer to pre-assign Sectors and allow volunteers to select the actual date and time of their observations with the following guidelines:
Each sector should be counted three times this Fall before Christmas. It is preferable but not necessary to space them approximately one week apart and to do them during approximately the same time interval.
· Each sector should be counted three times this Fall before Christmas. It is preferable but not necessary to space them approximately one week apart and to do them during approximately the same time interval.
· Avoid high traffic hours (for example, 8:00 a.m. near schools during the week or 9:30-12:00 a.m. on Sunday’s near churches).
· If possible, avoid rhwaw times: (1) before 8:00 a.m. (2) between noon and 2:00 p.m. (especially on warm sunny days) or (3) after 6:00 p.m., as squirrels are less active during these times. This should not affect the observed percent white but may lower the sample size making the observations less reliable.
· Avoid unusual weather conditions, especially high winds. Note: squirrels may actually be more active during a light drizzle but it makes for an unpleasant experience for squirrel counters.
· Try to complete your Sector within two hours of the time you begin. This should not be problem if you walk at a leisurely pace stopping only to record observations. Most observers take about one hour per Sector but some Sectors are much larger than others.
It is our hope that each participating volunteer or organization will complete all three counts for that Sector. Ordinarily, only one or two observers are needed to complete each one of the three counts for a given Sector. Therefore, larger organizations are encouraged to accept additional assignments. Once you have an assigned Sector, please designate a contact person. The necessary maps and datasheets will be assembled into a packet and delivered (or otherwise made available) to that person. The contact person would then be responsible for distributing the materials to participating members of your organization and upon completion, returning them to the command center (Heart of Brevard office). Thank you.
Because many participants may not be familiar with their designated Sector, each packet/folder will contain Brevard road maps with that particular Sector highlighted in yellow (please be sure to return that road map along with the completed datasheets when the count is completed).
During the approximately two hour interval of the count, you should walk the area of the Sector Map one time. Be aware that sometimes there are inaccuracies in the details of the map. Take a moment and plan your path ahead of time. Doubling back may result in some squirrels being counted twice (also, please do not attempt to subdivide your Sector unless you and your co-observers are clear as to where the subdivision boundaries are located; this, too, could result in counting the same squirrel twice). Do not be afraid to visit backyards and wooded areas since these are tree squirrels and are rarely found far from mature trees but please do not climb fences or enter other restricted areas. Ask permission when appropriate. Using a clipboard not only makes recording information easier but makes you look more “official” (a limited number of identification tags are available for those that request them). Our experience in that past has been that once people realize what you are doing, you are more than welcome; in fact, being able to “move on” in a timely way may become a problem.
We do not expect to see every squirrel that resides in the study area, but the more complete the count, the more accurate the data. Look carefully in areas where you observe nests (if you have time, record the location of the nest on your map with a N), on the ground near (and in) large trees, around feeders, etc., as these are areas that squirrels frequent. Listen for clucking sounds. We understand that:
· Some areas in your assigned Sector will be inaccessible.
· Not all squirrels in your Sector will be out foraging during the time period you select.
· All squirrels out foraging will not be visible due to various factors (obstructed view, timing, etc.).
These factors will be accounted for by other means. It is more important that you complete as large a sample of the Sector as possible in the allotted time than you see every resident squirrel. Our objective is primarily to estimate the percent of squirrels in the area that are of the white versus gray variety.
After a sighting, record the location of the squirrel on the Map with a W for white or a G for gray. IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO OBSERVE AND RECORD GRAY SQUIRRELS AS WHITE ONES. If you think the squirrel is a juvenile use lower case; however since it is sometimes difficult to distinguish "W" from "w", please circle the w if it is a white juvenile. If you are uncertain as to whether it is an adult or juvenile, don't be concerned; just mark "G" or "W". While this additional information may be useful for future studies, we are not actually distinguishing between adults and juveniles in this count. Record “road kills” on the Sector map with WK or GK and include in your final tally totals (if the same dead squirrel seems to be reported on multiple counts, a correction will be made later).
If you see a squirrel on an adjacent Sector, you may record its approximate location off the edges of your Map BUT DO NOT INCLUDE IT IN THE TALLY TOTALS FOR YOUR SECTOR. If your Sector and an adjacent one are separated by a street, then the midline of the road marks the boundary. If you note any interesting behaviors, predators (including cats, dogs, etc.) that may effect squirrel activity in that area, etc, mark an O (for “Observation”) on the Map and then include a description on the data sheet. When you finish your assignment please tabulate the results. THE MOST IMPORTANT ENTRIES ON THE DATASHEET ARE THE TOTAL WHITE AND TOTAL GRAY. Please return all paper work to the command center (Heart of Brevard office). If this is not possible in a timely fashion, please notify Madrid Zimmerman (884-3278 / heartexec@citcom.net) or Bob Glesener (862-3231 / rrglesener@gmail.com) to make other arrangements.
