Title:

Observer and automated estimation data from drone-based imagery of blackbird flocks foraging in commercial sunflower

Author(s):

Duttenhefner, Jessica L.; Klug, Page E.

Publication Year:

2025

How to Cite:

These data were collected using funding from the U.S. Government and can be used without additional permissions or fees. If you use these data in a publication, presentation, or other research product please use the following citation:

Duttenhefner, Jessica L.; Klug, Page E. 2025. Observer and automated estimation data from drone-based imagery of blackbird flocks foraging in commercial sunflower. Research Dataset Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Ft. Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.2737/NWRC-RDS-2024-005

Abstract:

We used drones to capture images of mixed-species blackbird (Icteridae) flocks damaging sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in North Dakota. Images consisted of an airborne flock with a sky background, creating a strong color contrast for automated bird detection and counting. We analyzed imagery from 60 flights using ImageJ and obtained automated counts. We also asked 20 biologists, ranging from 0-25 years of self-reported experience, to provide estimates for all 60 images in a single sitting. They were asked to make quick estimates (5-10 seconds per photo), to count birds within the sky background, and to zoom in on photos when needed. Photos were randomly ordered and all biologists were given photos in the same order. This study was implemented between September 2021 through October 2022 in multiple counties in North Dakota, USA where blackbird damage to sunflowers is prevalent. This data publication contains the data and R code used to analyze these data as well as the 60 drone images.

Keywords:

biota; Ecology, Ecosystems, & Environment; Wildlife (or Fauna); Birds; automated counts; drone; Icteridae; ImageJ; monitoring; observer error; UAS; unoccupied aircraft system; North Dakota

Related publications:

• Duttenhefner, Jessica L.; Klug, Page E. 2025. Observer estimation accuracy from drone-based imagery influenced by size of blackbird flocks foraging in sunflower. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. https://doi.org/10.1080/15594491.2024.2444028

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