Linking ecological processes and animal movements to inform timing of long‐term surveys of a migratory game bird

Abstract Managers typically estimate wildlife abundance using surveys within a timeframe that favors increased detectability; however, the ability to account for probabilities of inclusion, detection, and/or presence given sampling area is often limited. Cranes provide good opportunity research count accuracy because they are large, conspicuous, and congregate during part year, on staging areas (i.e., fall spring) or wintering grounds. The objectives this paper twofold: (1) evaluate how environmental factors influence crane movement in out survey identify best window availability annual counts; (2) overall counts from year year. For Objective 1, generalized linear mixed model was selected probability GPS transmitter data. A binary response variable representing outside formal used as dependent investigate covariates into areas. Probability explained by seven plus quadratic term Julian day number. Interactions between Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) normalized difference vegetation supported higher times drought. throughout entire study period (May–October), suggesting September could be augmented replaced October. 2, negative binomial with parameterization census data compiled 1995 2019. Covariates were acquired at watershed scale Hydrologic Unit Code 6 boundaries. Of 17 investigated, we found 18‐month precipitation (PPT gss ), PDSI, minimum temperature (Temp min ) most variability counts. High PPT (antecedent moisture), low PDSI (drought conditions), Temp (cold extremes) result link ecological processes population both locally landscape scales has long‐ranging implications resource projections, conservation, deploy adaptive management.