Zeros Matter Too

Zeros aren't just important when counting calories - they
make a big difference in monitoring bird populations too

Over the past day and a half I've had the good fortune to speak with COASSTers Nancy (Beckett Point, WA), Lin (South Damon, WA) and Linda (South Surfside, WA) who have collectively brought to my attention a really important aspect about COASST. Each of these ladies shared the sense of adventure they find in conducting monthly surveys, largely because you never know what, if anything, you are going to discover when you show up on your beach. Although years of COASST data has helped identify seasonal trends in bird deposition, the unexpected can always occur. You could stumble upon dozens of birds, or you might not see even one. Nancy, Lin, and Linda have all three experienced the extremes of COASST surveying - consecutive surveys with multiple birds, followed by "dry periods" with months of no deposited birds at all.  Processing a slew of dead birds is a tangible reminder of the value each volunteer contributes to COASST research and often leaves participants with a sense of satisfaction. Nonetheless, recording zeroes (no birds) matters too! Because COASST has a goal of documenting long-term baseline bird mortality conditions, it is just as valuable for the program to know when birds are not present as it is to know when they are. Finding a wreck of dead birds on a beach that has a record of little or no activity is a big clue that something might be going on out in the oceans. If it weren't for the dedication of COASST volunteers who take monthly walks on beaches with no birds in sight, unusual or concerning events might not ever be discovered or documented.  As it turns out, a collection of completed surveys filled with zeros ends up contributing a terrific amount!