sample size and precision

[robrob]

I have been asked to undertake some simulations investigating the effect of sample size (individuals ringed and probability of re-encounter) on the precision of (annual) survival estimates before undertaking some volunteer-based studies (actually on seabirds) in order to gauge the amount of effort likely to be required. Clearly, this will depend to a certain extent on the specifics relating to different species, studies and questions asked, but I was wondering if anyone had come across any studies (grey or peer-reviewed) that have already done this sort of thing, either for a specific taxonomic group, or more generically.
cheers, thanks and festive wishes
rob