Focal animal behavioral data:

As the name implies, focal animal samples are derived from observations of a single animal. These are usually conducted within an observation period of known time. Observers often start with five to ten minute samples, to get a sense of the range of behaviors the animal may show during that time period. If you find that the observation period gets cut short because of disturbance or not being able to follow the animal, you may have to shorten the time period. If you find that very few behaviors of interest are observed during the period, you may have to lengthen the time you observe. Focal animal observations are often done by pairs of observers... one recording information that is orally conveyed by an observer who watches the animal continuously.

It is very important to identify the categories of behavior that you will be recording before you begin your focal animal observation. This may require you to observe the animal(s) for a period of time, before data collection gets underway.

Also remember to note the time, weather, and observers present on the data sheet.

To begin, choose a focal animal and begin observing it. Make sure to record the start time. As you observe the animal, note the occurence of the behaviors of interest. It will be important to not lose track of the animal, so concentration is a key to success.

After the observation period is concluded, you should tally up the information and record it on your data sheet or in your field notebook. Once that is done, find another individual and do the whole thing again... and again... and again (replicate, replicate, replicate!).

Click here to download an example data sheet for focal animal sampling of bird foraging behavior

Event sampling protocols:

Event sampling entails the monitoring of all interactions within a group over a specified period of time. The idea is to characterize the proportion of individuals in a given group that are engaged in specific behaviors at any given time (e.g., feeding, swimming, preening, "other", etc". This is often done in a relatively shorter period of time, compared to focal animal observation (like one minute)

As with any observations, be sure to record information regarding time of day, observer, weather, etc.

Next, establish how many individuals are present and record this datum. Then start timing and begin scanning the group on one side and moving to the other (binoculars may, or may not, help). Record the behavioral state of each individual on the data sheet and note the time it takes for you to complete your scan. Then tally up your observations and record them in your field notebook or on a data sheet.

It is important to repeat this procedure many times, but you should wait for a specified period between each scan (maybe three to five minutes). Don't forget to to note the time and flock size for each event scan.

Click here to download an example of a data sheet for event sampling related to bird dominance interactions

 

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