montana bird distribution
- Montana Bird Distribution OVERVIEW
- How to Submit Bird Records to MBD
- Montana Bird Distribution BOOK - NEW 7th edition to be released in 2011
- Adopt a Quarter-Quarter Latilong
- Montana Bird Records Committee
Montana Bird Distribution OVERVIEW
The Montana Bird Distribution (MBD) database contains information on the distribution and seasonal occurrence for each species of bird found in the state. The database is housed at the Montana Natural Heritage Program (MNHP) and is a cooperative project of Montana Audubon, the MNHP, and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP).
Information from MBD is used extensively to help us manage and conserve our birds, determine Montana Species of Concern, inform MNHP and FWP's Field Guide, and is presently being used in writing the Birds of Montana Book Project.
For rare birds: the Bird Records Committee evaluates all reports of rare birds in Montana. Information about this committee, its role in rigorously reviewing records and the role of birders in understanding bird distribution is all HERE >>
For online submission of general bird sightings, there are two online methods for birders to share observations with the MBD. Additionally you can submit spreadsheets or paper copies of your sightings. These methods are detailed BELOW >>
How to Submit Bird Records for MBD database & 7th edition book:
If you want to contribute bird observation records to the 7th edition of Montana Bird Distribution (see below), you can enter records on line, enter them into a spreadsheet, or mail us a paper copy of your records:
ONLINE
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Simple Animal Observations. A simple web-based data entry tool is available for general entry of bird sightings. This form can be used from any web browser, computer platform, or connection speed. To use this form (or check it out), click HERE>>.
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TRACKER. Tracker is a sophisicated computer site that records for MNHP can be enetered. This system is ideal for detailed observations. Requirements include high speed internet, Internet Explorer, and a PC (does not work with slow connections, a Macintosh computer, or with Mozilla/Firefox at this time). To use TRACKER (or check it out), click HERE>>. Contact the Montana Natural Heritage Program if you have any questions about entering observations using Tracker.
OTHER SUBMISSION METHODS:
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Adopt a small area called a quarter-quarter latilong (QQLL) and complete a simple Excel spreadsheet: Learn more about this easy to use system HERE > >. This simpler spreadsheet should be submitted by email to Janet Ellis at jellis@mtaudubon.org.
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Download a detailed Excel spreadsheet from Tracker: http://mtnhp.org/Tracker/. Use this spreadsheet to enter your bird sightings. Instructions on how to submit these records electronically can be found on the Tracker website.
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Submit written records to: Montana Audubon PO Box 595 Helena, MT 59624. One simple way to record your handwritten records is to print a copy of the simple QQLL spreadsheet (see above), and use that spreadsheet to write in your records.
Montana Bird Distribution - NEW 7th EDITION TO BE RELEASED IN 2011
Periodically, a book-edition of the Montana Bird Distribution database informa
tion is published. A new 7th edition of P.D. Skaar’s Montana Bird Distribution is slated for release in 2011. The book is an excellent companion to a field guide because it shows where birds are found in Montana: for every bird species ever observed in the state, maps show breeding and wintering areas. The new edition will contain maps for all 425 bird species ever observed in the state.
As we prepare for the new book, we are looking for people to submit their records. For more information on ways to submit your records, see ABOVE >>.
Montana Bird Distribution was first published by P.D. Skaar in 1975. The book is a cooperative project among four entities: Montana Audubon; Montana Natural Heritage Program; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; and the Montana Bird Records Committee.
Timeline For 7th edition:
Submit observations by December 31, 2010 for inclusion in 7th edition of Montana Bird Distribution. We are interested in bird observations recorded since the last edition of Montana Bird Distribution was published in 2003. Publication of the 7th edition is planned for the spring of 2011. You will be able to pick up your copy at Montana Audubon or your local birding store.
To Purchase a Copy of the current 6th Edition:
If you want to understand the Montana Bird Distribution project further, we recommend ordering the 6th edition of this book, which was released in 2003. By purchasing a copy of the 6th edition, you should be able to better determine what birds have been seen in different parts of the state, including areas you frequent. To obtain a copy, please send a check for $15 (includes postage) to Montana Audubon, P.O. Box 595, Helena, MT 59624. The cost includes postage.
For More Information
For more information about this project, contact Janet Ellis, Montana Audubon's Program Director, at 406-443-3949 or jellis@mtaudubon.org