Bird monitoring guide
![](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0008/78407/bird_monitoring_banner_v2.jpg)
When setting up your project there is a lot to consider.
We are developing a guide that brings together a wealth of knowledge gained from research on bird monitoring methods and approaches. To help you proceed, we provide an outline of the considerations needed when designing bird monitoring.
Here are the steps you’ll need to follow.
While the actual count method employed for measuring bird populations and communities is important to success of your project, there is a lot more to consider when designing and implementing bird monitoring, including the need to clearly address these questions:
Why are you monitoring?
![01.jpg First step](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0008/78164/varieties/thumb.jpg)
Clearly defining the purpose of your monitoring project is a crucial step. It determines which different approaches (i.e. what is measured) and methods (i.e. how it is measured) are appropriate.
Are you prepared?
![02.jpg Second step](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0009/78165/varieties/thumb.jpg)
Do the prep work and you’ll save time and hassle when it comes to implementing your project.
What to monitor
![03.jpg Third step](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0010/78166/varieties/thumb.jpg)
Carefully consider what you should measure to best achieve your monitoring purpose.
How to monitor
![04.jpg Fourth step](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0011/78167/varieties/thumb.jpg)
Choosing the right survey design for your purpose is crucial.
How to manage data
![05.jpg Fifth step](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0003/78168/varieties/thumb.jpg)
Carefully record, store and share data.
How to interpret data
![06.jpg Sixth step](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0004/78169/varieties/thumb.jpg)
Choosing how to edit, process and interpret data.
How to communicate results
![07.jpg Seventh step](https://oldwww.landcareresearch.co.nz/__data/assets/image/0011/78176/varieties/thumb.jpg)
An effective monitoring project communicates with the right people in the right way.