In a message dated 95-10-16 15:16:07 EDT, you write:

>> months. Its obvious there are some frustrated ornithologists out
>there, it's
>> time to stimulate debate and get something done !!!!!
>>
>> Stuart - amateur sanderling researcher
>
>Well, I would love to record what I see, If I only knew for sure what
>I
>was seeing. Please recommend books, things to look for, etc. For
>example, what are the differences between a raven and a crow? I
>know, I
>know it's obvious, but I only grew up with crows (I think) so I am
>not
>sure I would recognize a raven. Teach us, Teach us, please!!
>
>Jan

I am really interestd in this thread, unfortunately I'm about to leave the
country for a couple of weeks. Nevertheless I'll throw out a couple of
thoughts.

At the zoo we offer a variety of education programs, including a sold out
multi-session raptor course given by Bud Anderson(I don't want to start
another discussion on the merits of the FRG thanks :>). We give a six month
docent training course. We have facilities, AV equip., even some
ornithological expertise(not me) on the staff.

On the one hand there are presumably researchers looking for
trained/semi-trained help on conservation related research of relevance to
the region's wildlife. On the other hand there are dedicated folks interested
in things ornithological willing to spend the time to get trained.(My god
look at the effort expended a the Montlake Fill this Summer) I think there
is some potential here for a match.

Is there some form of basic training program that would raise the level of
amateur expertise and fill a personpower gap? Is is possible to design such
a program that could provide ongoing training to local amateurs.

Before I came to the zoo my view was that volunteers are more trouble than
they are worth. Now I am dependent on over 600 volunteers who provide over
70,000 hours a year to the zoo, thats 35 person years of work. The key
utilizing them in research is designing the projects and training them.

Mike Waller
WP Zoo