Post 6: Data Collection

Sample site: McArthur Island Park was the location for my field data collections, with my specific sampling site being the water around/beneath a popular walking bridge. My sample units were Mallards (male and female) in which haphazard sampling was utilized to sample 140 replicates over 27 days. The number of replicates sampled was excessive, but I had conducted a power analysis before Professor Reudink told me that it was unnecessary. If I could go back, I would change this part of my study, however, I was focused on collecting (what I thought to be necessary) data before the mallards migrated for the season. 

Data collection: To begin observation of a mallard, a timer was set (on vibrate to reduce disturbance) for five minutes to indicate the end of the observation period. Two stopwatches were used during observation; one was used to record the amount of time the mallard was observed actively foraging, and the second was used to record time spent on the periphery of the group. The timer used to record active foraging would be paused when the mallard ceased foraging activities and resumed once the mallard resumed foraging activities. To determine time spent on the periphery, points on either side of the river were used as an estimate of location relative to the group. Once the sample crossed the estimated line separating the periphery of the waters and the center/deeper areas, the stopwatch was paused. Once the five-minute timer went off, both stopwatches were stopped and the times were recorded in the field observation journal.

Problems: The only problem I have identified has been the inaccurate/unreliable data collected regarding the time spent on the periphery. Due to the “hypothetical” nature of the determined “points” separating the water/group, this data is incredibly flawed and unreliable.

Further discussion/solution: On November 5th, I recorded a 10-minute video of the location to reflect on. On this day, there were more than 30 mallards, all visible in the video. I am considering using this video to record times. This would ensure the same mallards are not repeated in the data collection and would ensure a more constant environment (rather than collecting on different days where conditions vary). This would also result in less data to go through. 

Ancillary patterns: Weather and ice presence on the waters influence mallards’ feeding habits on various days. Another pattern observed is that on some days, food was dropped off the bridge onto areas of exposed ground where the mallards gathered to eat. This resulted in very little data collected as few mallards were present in the water.