[TN-Bird] species apparently in decline (BBS data)

I probably should keep my mouth shut, but I'll chime my 2 cents worth into this 
since I have thought about it for years.  Althought I think the BBS data are 
perhaps the best organized, long-term data we have on changes in bird 
populations over time, I also question whether or not it really is all that 
accurate.  I have personally participated in many BBS and as a former U. S. 
Forest Service Wildlife Biologist have been in charge of rounding up a bunch of 
people to conduct these counts.  I know from first hand experience that the 
level of experience and vigor with which people attack these counts varies 
tremendously.  For example.  I was working on the Savannah River Nuclear Site 
once and happend to run into a couple of people conducting a BBS route in 
conjunction with an ongoing project to access the population dynamics of 
Bachman's Sparrows there.  These guys were just listening and looking up a 
storm for Bachman's Sparrows at this point along their count.  They knew I was 
a birder and asked me if I could give them any pointers in their search.  The 
whole time I was talking to these fellas there were probably 5 male Bachman's 
Sparrows singing on territory right there surounding the area where we were 
standing and they didn't hear a one.  I've seen this happen quite a few times 
in various places.  Now, as these people become more proficient at recognizing 
bird songs over the years...does the BBS pick that up as an increase in a 
species or what?  

Rick

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