On Mon, 12 May 1997 18:21:13 -0400 (EDT) HKrauss787 at aol.com writes:
>Tweeters: We are new to ABA and recently bought the regional
>checklists...<snipi>
>Would someone please explain how to use the
>checklist.

Hi Hans -

Actually, using the lists is fairly simple. The numbered date lines 1-5
correspond to the numbered columns. For instance, here is how I am using
two of my Northeastern United States lists. The first one I am using for
my Connecticut Annual Lists, so I wrote that on the line that says
Date(s):
Below that, I wrote the following on each of the numbered lines:
1) 1995 Total 216
2) 1996 Total 202
3) 1997 Total
4) 1998 Total
5) 1999 Total

Then, as I see each bird, I check off the corresponding box for that bird
in the numbered column below. For instance, I have seen Common Loon in
1995, 1996 and 1997 in Connecticut, so I have checked off the first three
boxes (columns 1, 2, 3), next to Common Loon. When December 31, 1997
rolls around, I will total up the number of checked boxes in column #3,
and add the total to numbered line #3. Simple.

For the second list, I use one column for Connecticut sightings, ABA
rules; another column for Connecticut native birds I have seen in other
states; and still another column for Connecticut sightings "anything
goes" rules. Also simple.

The checklists can be used for any list you want to keep track of: state
lists, trip lists, county lists, city lists, backyard lists, ABA region
lists, annual lists, life lists, etc. Just be sure that the name (on the
numbered line) of what you're keeping track of corresponds to the
numbered column you're checking off.

The lists are "official" birds accepted by the ABA in each of those
regions.

Since I travel to see birds, I keep several for each area, so that I can
keep track of what birds I've seen in each state I've visited. I have 2
southcentral (Louisiana & Texas), 7 northeastern (Massachusetts, New
York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Maine, in addition to the two
mentioned above), 2 southwestern (Arizona and New Mexico), and 1 Pacific
Coast (California).

I'm a bit of a fanatic about listing, and no one needs to go to the
lengths that I do. Customize your lists any way you choose. Don't make
it any more difficult than you have time to keep track of, or it ceases
to be fun. I love to challenge myself, so I keep lots of lists.

Hope this helps. If you have any more questions, just drop me a note.

Cathi Pelletier
Waterbury, CT
Heronwing at juno.com



>Thanks
>Hans Krauss hkrauss787 at aol.com
>