Hello.

I'm seeking some advice from the membership please.

I keep my "records" of sightings in a bird log book. However, I feel its time to drag myself (screaming) in to the computor age, and store my records on my pc.

I have had a look at a free down load version of Bird Journal, and was wondering if any of you, have experice of Bird Journal and if not, how do members recorded their sightings on their pcs.

I hope to meet some of you at the next meeting.

Thanks in anticipation.

David Bond.

David, I've used Bird Journal for the last few months. I went for the full version in order to be able to use databases for butterflies, moths, dragonflies, mammals, reptiles, amphibians etc, as well as birds. I can't really compare it with other programmes though, as my only previous experience of birding software was with the BOG Group Recorder.

One thing I like is that you can create heirarchies of locations according to your own habits and preferences. This aids consistency by forcing you to think about naming, and where one site ends and another begins. For example, I've got Maythorn Slack as a subdivision of Broadstones and Broadstones as a subdivision of the Ingbirchworth group. Any record from Maythorn Slack would come up in searches under any of these three locations. The same concept applies to subspecies - eg you can search for alba wagtail as a species and all records of Pied and White will come up or you can search for either race separately. Having said that, it'd be nice to be able to record 'redpoll sp' rather than having to input unidentified redpolls as Lessers and then adding a caveat in the notes.

It seems pretty good though, yes, and on my version at least there are some interesting features I haven't yet taken advantage of, eg separate species databases for every country in the world and the possibility of adding photos to sightings.

Gentlemen.
What can I say. I appreciate your responses. Thank you very much.
I will have a look at all of the suggestions.

Once again, many thanks to you all.

David

David

If you would care to see some of these programmes demonstrated give me a call (01484-862006) and you would be more than welcome to come up to my place and see them 'in action'

David

I kept my annual sightings in a hardback pocketbook which sadly deteriorated over time and pages got lost, so in 2008 I bit the bullet and completely wiped the slate clean and started again. I only record annual sightings rather than daily sightings but have expanded my excel spreadsheets since 2008 to record mammals, butterflies and dragonflies etc. The bird sightings include date and location whereas the others simply list the species. Since 2008 I put all lists to zero and started each individual year list with a running Yorkshire and UK list, which I just add to when a new species is seen.

I am certainly going to have a look at the various programmes mentioned though. The spreadsheets I have are my own, fairly basic system, but always nice to look back on, and always nice to add a new name to!

Kris

David

The simple answer to your question re hoe records are passed to me is "Whichever method suits YOU best"

A good number of observers send their data [i]as and when it suits them[i]  giving as much (or as little) information as they have. The minimum information that constitutes a record should include species / date / location / number and sex if possible. Time can be included but is not always essential. Overflying birds (geese, gulls, birds on migration or passage) [b]should[b] include both time and direction if it possible to give them. This can allow movement across our recording area to be tracked if the same birds are reported by several observers. Finally, any other information that the observer thinks might be intesting or relevant can be added.

I am trying to encourage a system where observers send in their records on a regular monthly basis, thus allowing for the steady input of data onto the HBWC database and avoiding a situation where I am inundated by data at the year end. Some observers will always prefer to collate their data at that time, and I respect that. As I have said, whichever method suits you best, be it electronic or hard copy, then that is fine - the important thing is to send in your data. And not just of 'good' birds but of everything. In saying this I realise that I am loading work on to my own back but hey, I've got 'nowt else to do (as Mr. King frequently enjoys pointing out to me). But the 'common stuff' is just as important as the rarities when it comes to documenting there area's birds.

David Butterfield

I've taken the plunge chaps. I have bought Bird Journal. Its simple and easy to use, and so far appears user friendly. It does everything I need. I just need time now, to "input" all my records...from 1982 !.
Can I take this opportunity to thank you all for your guidance and advice. Its very much appreciated.

Best regards.
David.