© Dale Provost | Click image to enlarge
Bewick's Wren

BEFORE going into the field there are a few steps to take before you are ready to begin surveying. Be sure to study a field guide and listen to wren vocalizations online and on the CD sent to survey participants so you know what to look and listen for in the field. Learn how to distinguish Bewick’s Wren from the similar looking but much more common Carolina Wren.

Learn to visually estimate distance. In the field you’ll measure certain features of the habitat within a 30-foot radius of your survey point. You’ll also estimate the distance of certain nearest features to your point. If you have measuring tape extend it 30 feet (10 yards) or use it to mark two points 30 feet apart. Stand at one end and get a feel for what that distance looks like. When you are standing at your survey point, imagine this distance. Or you can imagine the yard lines on a football field. Two yard lines are 30 feet (10 yards) apart.

Find areas that provide suitable Bewick’s Wren habitat. This can be anywhere in the state, on public or private land (be sure to obtain permission before entering private property). You may already know of spots, or you may need to scout for areas. Ask local natural resource professionals (e.g. private lands biologists, refuge managers, park interpreters) or private landowners about sites that generally meet the habitat needs of Bewick’s Wrens. Maps will be useful for locating study sites and survey points. A GPS receiver, if available, is the most accurate way to mark survey point locations.

Once you find a study site you will place one or more survey points in suitable habitat. At each point you will survey for wrens and note basic features of the surrounding habitat. When you return from the field please be sure to enter your data online or make a copy of your field data sheets to keep then mail us the originals.

Equipment Checklist
Bring the following into the field. Check that you have each item before leaving the house.

Needed:

  • Field data forms, one for each survey point plus a few extras
  • Survey instructions
  • Clipboard
  • 2 Pencils, one as a spare
  • Watch
  • Binocular
  • Playback CD/cassette
  • Playback device – portable CD/cassette/mp3 player
  • Extra batteries for playback device
  • Map of the area
  • GPS receiver (preferably set to the NAD83 UTM coordinate system)
  • Permission to enter private property if applicable

Recommended:

  • Field guide to birds
  • Compass
  • Clothes appropriate for the field and weather
  • Comfortable, sturdy, close-toed shoes
  • Water and snack
  • Sunblock
  • Insect repellent


Detailed Field Protocol
Selecting Study Sites
Surveying Wrens
Measuring Habitat
Field Data Form (free Adobe Acrobat Reader required)