[texbirds] Re: Checklists and abundance codes
- From: Jim Sinclair <jim.sinclair@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: texbirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 09:41:49 -0500
Well, I continue to be beat up privately about not labeling the Common
Paraque 'common'. I respect all of the 'beaters', and several of them are
friends.
Again, I want to put this in context.
A checklist is not typically intended to represent the biological status of
the population. A checklist is intended to reflect how often the species
is reported on visits.
I just looked at the 30 most recent checklists posted on Ebird for Bentsen
SP. Out of the 30 submitted checklists, the Paraque was recorded two times.
During the 21 tours I was on to the Norias division of the King Ranch this
past spring/summer season, we found the Tropical Parula on 19 of them,
sometimes multiple individuals at different locations on the same tour.
I do not present the above as an argument or rebuttal, but merely to point
out the difficulties of developing a checklist that meets the needs of the
majority of the users. I'm still open to input. The input to date has all
been helpful. One person has suggested two separate lists - at least for
some sites.
On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 6:45 PM, Jim Sinclair <jim.sinclair@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
> I received some thoughtful input regarding the Paraque. While it is true
> that they can commonly be heard at dawn and dusk, the checklists I will be
> creating will emphasize seeing the bird.
>
> Also many sites around the state are not open at dawn and dusk. The notes
> regarding owls will be similar.
>
> On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 5:38 PM, Jim Sinclair <jim.sinclair@xxxxxxxxx>
> wrote:
>
>> Abundance Codes
>>
>> Most of us are familiar with Abundance Codes on checklists. The ABA
>> publishes Abundance Codes for all species found in the ABA area, for
>> example.
>>
>> Many site checklists also include abundance codes.
>>
>> Regardless of the application, virtually all checklists that include
>> Abundance Codes assume that the code applies only to proper habitat and
>> proper season for that species.
>>
>> Interpreting actual 'abundance' can be ambiguous, however. It can be
>> based upon actual numbers of a given species that are present, or it can be
>> based upon the chances of actually seeing that species. Although those two
>> criteria are related, they are not synonymous.
>>
>> For example, Common Paraque (COPA) are, indeed, common in the LRGV in
>> proper habitat and season. But, should a birder expect to see it on most
>> trips to the Valley? no, it is not to be expected on most trips. (Unless
>> of course, they go to Estero Llano, where the staff usually has one or more
>> staked out!).
>>
>> Conversely, the Tropical Parula (TRPA) is considered rare, yet is seen on
>> most tours to the Norias Division of the King Ranch - again because a few
>> individuals are "staked out".
>>
>> I'm working pro bono on an ecotourism program for a major organization
>> that has multiple sites. Part of the project involves creating checklists,
>> and I want to standardize the format across all sites.
>>
>> Currently, I plan to use codes to represent the chance of seeing a
>> particular species (in season and in habitat) rather than the actual
>> abundance.
>>
>> Under the criteria above the COPA would be listed as expected on fewer
>> than half the trips, while TRPA would be listed as being seen on most trips.
>>
>> Offline feedback appreciated.
>>
>> --
>> Jim Sinclair (TX-ESA)
>> TOS Life Member
>> Kingsville, TX
>>
>> "The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of
>> thinking we were at when we created them." - Albert Einstein
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Sinclair (TX-ESA)
> TOS Life Member
> Kingsville, TX
>
> "The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of
> thinking we were at when we created them." - Albert Einstein
>
--
Jim Sinclair (TX-ESA)
TOS Life Member
Kingsville, TX
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of
thinking we were at when we created them." - Albert Einstein
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