Thanks for sharing. I have a trusty and heavy Panasonic
recorder that I always use on Spring Migration Count. I bought a digital
recorder that I thought would be so wonderful and after many readings of
instructions, did learn to use it. However it was so unreliable with the
functions that I never knew until later whether it was on or off. After using on
several day trips and being so disappointed with what had been recorded, I
discarded it to the bottom on some drawer and wouldn't spend the time looking
for it should I decide to try again. SO, my question is, Chris, what kind of
digital recorder do you have and have you had any problems with it?
Thanks.
Jo Ann Eldridge, Kearney, Clay
I----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 28, 2011 10:41
AM
Subject: No sighting: Birding Afield -
Digital Method
Greetings!
I hope I'm not whipping a dead horse
here, but I thought I'd share a technique I observed a Southeast Arizona
birding guide use that I have since adapted in my practice when birding
afield.
If someone has already mentioned this, I apologize for
repeating, as I didn't read all the posts pertaining to the 4-letter codes for
bird species with regards to saving time when recording
species.
When I first began recording data for the CACHE/SPARKS
database, I was most overwhelmed with the numbers and species at Otter Slough
CA and yes, spending much of my time searching for where I had written down
(or had I written) that species on the list. Using standard notebook sheet of
paper (26 lines per side), I'd write one species (full name) per line then add
tick marks or numbers for larger quantities. On a spring or fall migration
day, I'd use front and back of two sheets.
I remembered the guide
using it as we walked through the thick Mesquite bushes in southeast Arizona
looking for the Lucy's Warbler. He didn't fumble with pen or pad; he simply
walked along and recorded what was observed where, to be later transcribed.
This method is what I've adopted, using a digital voice recorder to keep track
of sightings and observations. I began carrying one after I had been
asked for a recording of a calling Black Rail.
Personally, this
is very helpful and seems to work for me. I was carrying the digital recording
device with me anyway in case of needing audio documentation on a reclusive
yet calling rare, casual or accidental bird. I don't spend any time
writing down information until later at home. If it's raining/snowing - no
worries about soggy paper.
Later at home, when I'm transcribing
the information, it is a second "chance" to relive and remember the
events of day afield. I have even on occasion been so focused on one bird
that I hear in the background of the recording another bird calling that I
missed while out in the field. When I write into my field notebook, it is
there that I use the 4-letter code. I'm sure I don't have all the codes
correct, but as far as I'm concerned no one will be seeing my notebook, and
I'll remember what was observed. I then use the notebook to sum up quantities
of birds observed and then enter them into the ASM database or eBird if
birding outside of a CACHE/SPARKS location.
I guess my point is
that when you use a digital recorder, the species name spoken is
"Black-throated Green Warbler". When transcribing the species name heard is
"Black-throated Green Warbler". When I write in my notebook, the code I use is
BTGW which I know is incorrect (correct code is BTNW according to USGS), but
it's for my use and makes sense to me. If I post to the list serve, after
stating Black-throated Green Warbler in the subject line or body, I may
shorten it to BT Green Warbler afterward.
I'm not saying any one
method is better than the other. I have read a lot of good ideas from the
list! Just throwing out another method to consider with regard to spending
less time in the field writing down the observations and having more time to
view the horizons or ferret out that skulking thrush or
warbler.
A word of caution though: If you do decide to use a
digital voice recorder and are prone to have bouts of Tourette Syndrome, be
sure to pause or stop the device after recording the species/quantities. It
WILL record said outbursts! Ha-ha! Also have spare batteries and the always
trusty pad and pen in the glove box! It's been on more than one occasion that
I've left it on the hood of the truck and driven off in the heat of the
moment! Ha-ha! Have a great day!
Good Spring Birding to All!
Bring on Spring Migration!
Chris Barrigar
Stoddard
Co.
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