Hello Tweeters,

It's time for the annual appeal for BirdBox transcribers. As you
know, many of the most interesting bird sightings around the state
are first reported to the Washington Ornithological Society's BirdBox
by obervers who phone them in from the field. Many of these
sightings reach Tweeters only when BirdBox transcripts are posted --
ideally several times a month. Creating these transcriptions is a
largely thankless task carried out by a small group of selfless
volunteers headed by Bob Norton. Others on the current team include
Franny Drobny, Jane Hadley, and Phil Kelley. We have lost several
stalwarts over the last year and need to replenish the pool. If we
have six transcribers each of them is on duty for just two one-month
stints each year; with eight -- well, you can figure it out. Many
hands make light work.

Transcripts are supplied to the bird information-management network
(Russell Rogers for Washington Field Notes and Bill Tweit for North
American Birds) and the most unusual sightings are quickly picked up
by regional and national publications, hotlines, web sites, and
e-mail lists -- but not until the transcriptions appear on Tweeters.
The transcription team is the critical link in the information
transmittal system, both for recreational birding and for the
permanent record. Transcribers perform a unique and indispensable
service.

So, how about it? All of us benefit from this service. Who'll step
up? You can reply offlist to me and/or Bob Norton
mailto:norton36 at olypen.com .

Thanks for considering it.

Hal Opperman
WOS BirdBox Administrator
Medina, Washington
mailto:halop at accessone.com