Waterfowl farmland use in Delta, British Columbia : a remote sensing / GIS analysis

• Main Author: Mayoral, Celia Sánchez.
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/4120

Farmfields located in the vicinity of wetlands are often visited by wintering waterfowl. The selection of individual fields could be affected by a number of factors, including the crop cover type and the accumulation of surface water on the field, as well as by other factors related to the location of the field. This research investigated the possible relation between locational factors (size and shape of the field, distance to the coast, presence of trees, roads and buildings in the surroundings) and the observed presence/absence of ducks (mallard, Anas platyrynchos, pintail, Anas acuta, wigeon, Anas americana) in a group of fields in the Fraser River delta. Maps of the fields were obtained by interpretation of aerial photographs. Bird data came from previous surveys. Maps and associated attribute data were integrated in a Geographic Information System that also provided analysis tools. Regression analysis was undertaken in order to relate the presence of ducks in the fields with the geographic (locational) factors. Day and night situations were considered, and fields were grouped into two cover type classes for the analysis. Results of the analysis indicated that the consideration of just locational variables could not predict the presence of ducks in fields, although some factors, particularly the distance to the coast and the vegetation in the perimeter were found to be correlated with duck presence.