Birding News and Features
A Database for Vermont Bird Records
Birders have asked for eBird functionality that allows one to back up their data on home computers. We have built a tool for this, and are pleased to announce its release. We've recently added the ability for users to retrieve a file containing all the data they've ever entered into eBird in spreadsheet format, which can be easily read using Microsoft Excel, manipulated and analyzed using tools outside eBird, and saved and stored on your home computers. This new tool gives users the ability to analyze their own raw data, to look at patterns in their own observations beyond what the eBird View and Explore data tools now provide. The idea is to make eBird as versatile as possible, and give you the raw data in order to allow you to perform your own data exploration! Click on the link above for more information.
Bird Watchers Urgently Needed to Track Rusty Blackbirds
Populations of Rusty Blackbirds are crashing! Their numbers have plummeted by as much as 88-98% over the last few decades, according to data gathered between 1966 and 2006 for the North American Breeding Bird Survey and Christmas Bird Count. A species that was once considered to be abundant is rapidly disappearing before our eyes. Your observations can help save this species by arming scientists with critical information about this species' ecology during migration. Bird watchers across North America are being asked to help scientists track spring migrant Rusty Blackbirds from April 1-7 using the eBird online checklist program. Your observations of this species can help fill in the important missing pieces of this conservation puzzle!
Burlington birders have been abuzz with Tuesday's exciting discovery of a great gray owl at the hill section home of Marshall and Sue London. Although nearly 100 people were lucky enough to see the bird, thanks to the London's welcoming hospitality, its appearance was fleeting. Sometime during the night, the owl departed the London's back yard. Whether or not it surfaces again in the area, this bird left an enduring mark on the humans who witnessed its stately presence.
International Bicknell's Thrush Conservation Group Formed
In response to heightened conservation concerns for Bicknell's Thrush, a coalition of scientists, natural resource managers, and conservation planners formed in November. The International Bicknell's Thrush Conservation Group (IBTCG) held its inaugural meeting in Woodstock, Vermont, with 25 people attending from five northeastern states and two Canadian provinces. The groups' overall charge is to develop and implement a conservation action plan for Bicknell's Thrush. Participants include representatives from academia, federal and state wildlife agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry.
Get Your Data at the Avian Knowledge Network
The Avian Knowledge Network (AKN) is an international organization of government and non-government institutions focused on understanding the patterns and dynamics of bird populations across the Western Hemisphere. Since AKN was launched in 2004 it has grown by leaps and bounds. With nearly 40 million bird observations in its database from 41 partner organizations spanning the Western Hemisphere, its scope and importance has increased exponentially in recent years. The new AKN website is designed to provide improved intuitive access to AKN resources. New features include expanded data download functionality. You can download the Vermont eBird data as a Google Earth file!
How to Report a Rare Bird in Vermont: The Vermont Bird Records Committee
If you have seen a rare bird in Vermont, you have the opportunity to contribute valuable information to the study of bird distribution and vagrancy. Please help the Vermont Bird Records Committee by submitting a written report when you see a rare bird.
Explore Vermont Birding Trails
Vermont has two great birding trails to explore Vermont birds. Check out the web pages and follow the bird flights along the trail. At each site, record your bird sighting and enter them on Vermont eBird. Your data and those of other birders will help track birds on these trails.
Talk Vermont Birds on the VTBIRD e-mail List
Interested birders and nature enthusiasts are encouraged to report recent sightings, ask questions, announce field trips and other events, or discuss bird conservation issues on this e-mail discussion list.
More Bird News on the Vermont Center for Ecostudies Blog
Read more news and the weekly Vermont Bird Notes on the VCE Blog....