Mike, et al.

As a long-time CBC compiler I've often been faced with the issue that the
precise number of the unusual subspecies may be reported but that parties
which failed to note a "slate-colored" or a "yellow-shafted" don't
specifically identify the varieties counted. I have felt that it is
reasonable, if not entirely certain, to assume that barring a specific note
to the contrary, a "Drk-eyed Junco" refers to the Oregon junco and that a
Northern Flicker, otherwise unspecified, will most likely refer to a
Red-shafted. This seems preferable to reporting large numbers of "flicker
ssp." or some other such evasive response.

Gene.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Patterson" <celata at pacifier.com>
To: "OBOL2" <obol at lists.orst.edu>; "tweeters" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2002 4:07 PM
Subject: From the regional CBC Editor


> There are only 18 days to the beginning of the 2002-3
> Christmas Bird Count season.
>
> I've a couple of recommendations that I hope to see
> attempted this year.
>
> Recognizable subspecies-
> The new online data entry forms allow for a much wider
> capacity for reporting recognizable forms within a species
> complex. Fox Sparrow can be reported as Sooty, Slate-colored
> or Red, now. Canada Geese, juncos and Yellow-rumps can all
> be reported to subspecies. When editing, I find it interesting
> how often Slate-colored Junco is report, compared to say...
> Oregon Junco (which is left in the Dark-eyed Junco box).
>
> No, you don't have to sort them, and no counting Myrtle
> and Audubon's separately won't get you an additional tick
> on the species count for the day, but distinctions at the
> subspecific level provide useful information about winter
> distribution.
>
> Sharing resources-
> By my count there are 89 counts in the region (this includes
> some nearby counts in Idaho and British Columbia) and 34%
> of them are happening in the first weekend. This leaves
> some of you with nothing to do after the first weekend of
> the season. Please consider doing more than one count
> this year. There are many counts (especially those that
> run on the weekdays) that run with a minimum of observers.
> If you really want to feel loved and appreciated volunteer
> to be on one of the smaller counts.
>
> The CBC FAQ is at:
> http://home.pacifier.com/~mpatters/cbc/cbc2002.html
>
> --
> Mike Patterson
> CBC editor for Oregon and Washington
> Astoria, OR
> celata at pacifier.com
>