Dairy farmer semi-structured interview responses related to bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Washington state
Citation
Duvall, Ethan S; Schwabe, Emily K.; Steensma, Karen M. M. (2023), Dairy farmer semi-structured interview responses related to bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Washington state, Dryad, Dataset, https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.dr7sqvb2z
Abstract
This data provides responses to semi-structured interviews conducted with dairy farmers in Whatcom County, Washington State, USA. The goal of the interviews were to gather information on eagle activity in agricultural and dairy settings, and to assess farmers relationships with bald eagles on their farms.
Methods
Our questionnaire contained 12 core questions related to eagle abundance, behavior, phenology, and the perception of eagles by farmers. Interviews began with an explanation that this was an independent research project by university students, with no affiliation with government agencies, and that all answers would be treated anonymously. We prioritized speaking with dairy farm owners but would interview employees if designated by the owner. Out of the 78 dairy farms in Whatcom County, 27 were approached for an interview. These farms were chosen based on proximity to previously conducted eagle–farm surveys in Whatcom County (Figure 1 in Duvall 2022). Twenty farmers were willing to be interviewed, representing 74% of farms approached, and 25.6% of all the dairy farms in Whatcom County. Two interviewers were present for each interview: one to lead questions, and one to record responses. These responses were later transffered into a spreadsheet which is presented here.