Hi,
I am looking at two saltmarsh sites, one managed, one unmanaged, and I need to be able to determine whether there is a significant difference between the two avian populations, and whether it can be attributed to management. I have 2 years of bird survey data for each site which includes monthly transect counts, as well as monthly vegetation measurements (height) from 20 quadrats at each. I'm just having issues determining what test(s) to undertake.
Many thanks in advance for your advice.
https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/migbirds/avian_monitoring.pdf
Article A comparison of two survey methods for assessing bird specie...
You can just compare counts or calculate densities and compare them using standard statistics like anova, permanova, Kruskal-Wallis, etc. Determine if the distributions are normal by looking at the residuals to know if you should use parametric or non parametric tests
Most researchers get to a stage they become comfortable with statistics, especially specific types or basic study comparisons and design. I was directed to and learned to develop a study or research plan of importance by consulting with a statistician, even after taking statistic courses. That proves to be good advice in designing and analyzing research studies, but notwithstanding, it is still good advice to consider, especially when one asks what statistics would be appropriate considering complex data sets as avian and variances in site conditions from management. And although statisticians would prefer early contact to discuss goals and study design, they can still be very helpful in making some sense of what you have, or tell what would be needed to fulfill your research objective, or produce and document results from a case study with limits as to interpretation or decisions relative to management. Not everyone has access to a statistician, so then that puts more responsibility on the researcher. There are quite a few excellent statistical packages to consider, and some user guides and texts have examples which can be helpful.
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