[obol] Changes in the NAMC

[Diane Cavaness]

I look forward to the Spring and Fall NAMC each year!!
As much as I enjoy being out in the field, I have concerns as a science 
educator about the usefulness of the data. The solutions outlined below 
appear to deal with the problem quite well.
Because of the informality of the count, with no specific routes or counting 
areas, it is quite likely that some birds are being counted by more than one 
person, (especially in more populated counties) and many, many others not 
counted at all. In this regard, a simple checklist would seem to be more 
accurate. Importantly, if this change were made, the historical data could 
be easily converted and remain useful.
I would also suggest that observers be allowed to go into the field on 
either Saturday or Sunday or both, on the specified weekend. This would 
allow for more complete coverage and perhaps more observers.

Whatever becomes the final "look" of the NAMC, I want to thank the ECBC for 
taking on this huge task and working to make it more useful.

Diane Cavaness
Brookings

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charles R. Gates" <cgates at webformixair.com>
To: "obol" <obol at lists.orst.edu>
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2007 10:03 PM
Subject: [obol] Changes in the NAMC


> Some of you may have been confused about Craig and Joel's comments about 
> the
> NAMC.  This topic was not meant to make it to OBOL yet but because of a
> misunderstanding, it has made it to all of you.  Let me outline the 
> changes
> being proposed by the ECBC for the North American Migration Count (OK,
> proposed might not be the best word.  I pretty much forced these changes 
> on
> the county compilers).
>
> Problem:  Data being collected is pretty messy because there are few set
> protocols to keep the scientific data clean and statistically useful.  The
> data collected in the past have not had been gathered in a controlled way
> and is of limited use to anyone looking for meaningful trends.  One 
> possible
> solution would be to make the data collection more controlled and make the
> whole process more scientific.  I fear that would scare off volunteers and
> actually result in less data being collected with a net loss in the 
> process.
> Some counties are doing this with success but I don't feel it would fly
> state-wide.
>
> Solution:  With the current data collection methodology, the numbers
> collected are pretty meaningless.  I propose to go to a system of noting 
> the
> presence or absence of each species and forego the collection of actual
> numbers.  This, I feel, will allow surveyors to cover more of the county 
> and
> supply data that is only slightly less significant than the old way.
>
> Problem:  Getting data reported to compilers and then getting compilers to
> report to the state compiler is a major problem right now.  Many compilers
> have still not reported their results to the state compiler for the spring
> count.  The individual numbers of species languishes because it is bulky 
> and
> a pain in the neck to compile.
>
> Solution:  Develop a quick and easy method for indicating whether species
> were seen or not seen.  Get that information to the county compiler by the
> day after the count.  The county compilers are to get the information to 
> the
> state compiler within 3 days of the count.  The county compilers are also 
> to
> report a quick summary to OBOL so all of you can see the results of the
> count in a reasonable time.  The state compiler would then issue a brief
> summary to OBOL within a week of the count weekend.  The state compiler
> would create a more comprehensive report to Oregon Birds Magazine.  In the
> past, you the members of OBOL, have not seen the results of these counts
> unless you read something about it nearly a year later in the Field Notes
> section Oregon Birds.  This completely takes away from the excitement of
> this event and makes recruiting more help pretty difficult.
>
> Problem:  The fall count has historically been on the 3rd Saturday of
> September.  This is pretty late to find migrating birds in Oregon.  Many 
> of
> the passerines have already fled by this date so the data does not give us 
> a
> very good idea of what is migrating through Oregon during the heart of
> migration.  It's good for shorebirds and some other things but we miss 
> much
> of the warbler, flycatcher, tanager, grosbeaks...
>
> Solution:  Change the fall date to the weekend after Labor Day.  This date
> will be closer to the meat of the migration and give us a more realistic
> view of what migrates through the state.
>
> That's pretty much it.  I know these kinds of changes stimulate emotions 
> and
> flat out irritate some folks.  I welcome your comments but I will ask that
> you keep them civil.  This is not politics.  You don't have to make your
> point by insulting people and organizations that are only trying to 
> improve
> birding and our understanding of birds in the state.  I've already heard
> comments questioning the parentage of the ECBC and its governing body.
> These comments have been given the consideration they deserve.  I will ask
> you once again to keep it civil.
>
> Chuck Gates
> NAMC State Coordinator
> East Cascades Bird Conservancy
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