[texbirds] KATYTOS Text Alert System for Winter TOS Meeting

  • From: sgross77@xxxxxxxxxxx
  • To: TEXBIRDS <texbirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, TOS-LIST <TOS-LIST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2013 23:54:40 +0000 (UTC)

Recent TOS meetings have served as testing grounds for new communication 
systems. Our Winter Meeting will be no different. 



Like we did during our Spring Meeting, we have set up a text message alert 
system, called KATYTOS. It is up and running now. 




This alert system allows leaders and participants to communicate "good" birds 
to the whole group, and it will allow those who would like to chase birds to do 
so (provided that they're legally/ethically chaseable, i.e. on public property, 
etc.). This worked very well in Port Aransas, but it’s really only as good 
inasmuch as it's used. 





You don’t even have to be a meeting participant to sign up (listening, 
Houston-area birders? Please post anything you find in the coming days). 

By Sunday in Port Aransas, we were alerting people about Bobolinks, Cape May 
Warbler, etc. and lots of people were able to respond quickly and see some 
fantastic birds. This time around, we'll likely share info on Short-eared Owls, 
Greater Pewee, rare sparrows, swans, etc. 

To sign up, simply send a text to 41411 with the message KATYTOS. The system is 
not case-sensitive. Do not put anything else in your initial message (e.g. you 
do not have to put SUBSCRIBE in the body of the text), or it will go out to all 
members. YOU DON'T WANT THAT! TRY NOT TO BE THAT PERSON! 



When you have a bird to report, send a text to the same number, start the body 
with KATYTOS, then give your details. Here are some examples: 

Example 1: KATYTOS Greater Pewee seen and heard 1110 a .m. @ Bear Creek Park , 
intersection of Kunze, Pasche 


Example 2: katytos 5 Sprague's Pipit on short grass behind dog park @ Paul 
Rushing Park 

If you’d like getting onto the system and you’re at the meeting, ask a 
friendly and helpful TOS Board Member. We’ll get you up and running. 



Get it? It can really generate excitement and get people onto birds they might 
not otherwise have heard about. 



The system will be discontinued after a few weeks, so you won’t be troubled 
with unwanted posts long after the Meeting is over. 



Sign up today! See you in Houston . 



Steve Gross 

President, TOS 

Cell: 281-787-3888
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