eBird recommends that users report numbers of birds (accurately, of course)
rather than just presence/absence of observed species (the "X"). The
information about relative abundance provided by numbers is usually far
more useful to science, and can be "collapsed" into presence/absence for
analysis if needed.
There is more that birders can do to increase data quality for observations
made during bird walks (provided we are careful). [Point counts are more
straightforward; the only concerns are with plotting the location carefully
and getting the numbers of birds right.]
When you submit observations for bird walks, consider taking a bit of extra
time to turn your casual observation into a traveling count or area count.
This provides eBird with more information about your observations ("effort"
other than just time).
I routinely use the Gmaps Pedometer to measure distances traveled during
walks (http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/) and TopoZone
(http://www.topozone.com/) to find elevations. In TopoZone, find the place
of interest and then use the 1:24K/25K topo maps with DD.DDDD (decimal
degrees) coordinates on the NAD83/WGS84 datum (best accuracy in VA). You
can also use TopoZone to get specific latitude and longitude for locations
- click on the map to set the target and then look just above the map;
remember that the longitude in degrees West needs a negative sign when
entered into eBird (we're in the western hemisphere).
You could calculate the area that you covered from the topographic maps as
well, but that's more difficult, more subjective, and probably more subject
to error.
Of course, many birding areas will not be well represented by Gmaps, and
there are more sophisticated ways to do this (a GPS unit). But, I find this
to be a good method if you don't have better alternatives.
Dave Hewitt
Gloucester, VA
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