Most ornithologist say it is not possible. In fact there is no book or article explaining census techniques to be aplicate to wetland for passerine birds.
Luis - please find attached a protocol for surveying wetland birds in North America.
As I understand it, transects surveys through Phragmites are not all that practical unless you have some roads available, such as are found in areas of southern Spain like La Janda. Really, the trick is to use occupancy (like program PRESENCE or package unmarked in R) or distance estimation methods to model the probability of detection for these (mostly) secretive birds. Get the data from areas you have access to, then extrapolate to larger areas. That said, because of their often low detection rates, you would need to make more visits to each site in order to get decent estimates of their detectability and occurrence.
Thank you very much Andrew, Micah and Usman. Thats the way I´m working on.
It´s to me important to know you are agree with the method and to know your suggestions and new ideas. Waiting for you in a next visit to Spain. Yours sincerely.
Conducting a census of breeding passerine birds in wetlands, especially in areas dominated by Phragmites (common reed), can be challenging due to the dense vegetation and diverse bird behaviors. Here are some techniques you can consider to approach the real number of breeding passerine birds:
Point Count Surveys: This technique involves selecting specific points within the wetland and conducting bird counts for a fixed period of time (e.g., 5-10 minutes) at each point. It's important to use a consistent protocol for point selection and timing across surveys. Point counts are valuable for estimating bird abundance and diversity.
Transect Surveys: Establish transects (linear paths) across the wetland, and systematically walk along these paths while recording all bird species and individuals observed. Transects help cover a wider area and can provide data on bird distribution and abundance along different habitat gradients.
Nest Searching: Locate and monitor nests of passerine birds. This technique requires careful observation and knowledge of bird behavior. Nests can provide insights into breeding success and productivity.
Territorial Mapping: Passerine birds often establish territories during the breeding season. By observing and mapping territorial boundaries and interactions between birds, you can estimate the number of breeding pairs in the area.
Call Playback Surveys: Play recorded calls of specific bird species to elicit responses from territorial birds. This can help you detect the presence of hidden individuals that might not be visible during standard visual surveys.
Mist Netting and Banding: Although this method requires specialized permits and training, mist netting involves setting up fine nets to capture birds temporarily. Each captured bird is identified, banded, and released. This technique provides information on individual birds' movements, longevity, and health.
Acoustic Monitoring: Some passerine birds have distinct vocalizations. Deploying automated recording devices (bioacoustic monitors) can help detect and identify bird species based on their calls, which can be useful for estimating bird presence and activity.
Remote Sensing and Aerial Surveys: In larger wetland areas, aerial surveys conducted by drones or aircraft can provide a broader perspective on bird distribution and abundance.
Remember that different bird species have varying behaviors and responses to survey methods. A combination of techniques might be most effective to account for these differences and to provide a more accurate estimation of breeding passerine bird numbers.
Before conducting any surveys, it's essential to familiarize yourself with local regulations, obtain necessary permits, and ensure ethical treatment of the birds and their habitats. Additionally, consulting with experienced ornithologists or ecologists can provide valuable insights into selecting the most appropriate methods for your specific study site and goals.
Thank you very much, Prof. Nidhal Kamel Taha El-Omari, for your extensive and well detailed answer. I am sure that it will be very useful in my field work in those biotopes. Yours sincerely.