The OntBirds co-ordinator has approved this message.
This message is in response to the note recently posted by Christian Friis requesting shorebird sightings, and is also in response to the eBird system in general. The majority of OntBirds readers probably do not know that a reporting network already exists in Ontario, and has effectively been in place for many, many decades. It consists of a network of local compilers, each of whom cover a specific area (e.g., Point Pelee, Hamilton, Toronto, Algonquin Park, Rainy River District, etc.). These volunteer, dedicated compilers routinely devote hundreds of hours compiling and archiving such records. It can not be overstated the immense value of these databases that local compilers continue to assemble. Data collected by local compilers are used for multiple purposes that include: 1--local checklists and detailed area publications (the recent and definitive "Niagara Birds" and "Birds of Hamilton" books could not have been accomplished without the decades-long compilation of sightings by local compilers) 2--seasonal summaries that are published both locally and in the journal North American Birds (published by ABA); see http://www.aba.org/nab/ 3--conservation and environmental issues (unlimited) There used to be a time when the only system was the local system, and it seemed to work just fine! Now we also have OntBirds, Ebird, personal blogs, and regular requests and appeals for various information. As a result, information has increasingly become scattered and fragmented. Of course one is at liberty to provide bird sightings to whatever entity that interests them (or none at all), but the local system remains the premiere reporting system in Ontario. Thus, if you want to make a contribution to the (local) Ontario ornithological record, I encourage you to submit sightings to your local compiler on a regular basis. And to other regional compilers as well when travelling to other areas of the province. Readers will likely remember the recent posts to OntBirds by Ron Tozer, requesting your Algonquin Park observations so they can be added to the local database. If you don't know who the compiler is for a particular area, myself or others would be more than happy to provide names and contact information. I am the local compiler for Point Pelee, so would appreciate your sightings made here at all times. Alan Wormington Leamington, Ontario . ____________________________________________________________ Groupon™ Official Site 1 ridiculously huge coupon a day. Get 50-90% off your city's best! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/4dba9da1c8c5417cc0dst02duc _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
