montana bird distribution -- MBD
- Montana Bird Distribution OVERVIEW
- How to Submit Bird Records to MBD
- Montana Bird Distribution BOOK - New 7th edition to be released in June 2012
- Adopt a Quarter-Quarter Latilong - opens new page
- Montana Bird Records Committee - opens new page
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 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.
Montana Bird Distribution - NEW 7th EDITION TO BE RELEASED IN 2012
A new 7th edition of P.D. Skaar’s Montana Bird Distribution is slated for release in June 2012. 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 427 bird species ever observed in the state.
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.
With this book, comes a new 2012 Bird Checklist. Paper copies of the checklist will also be available in June 2012. However, if you want a copy now, download it HERE.
Purchasing the 7th edition:
The 7th edition of P.D. Skaarr's Montana Bird Distribution will be available in early June 2012. You will be able to obtain your copy at the Montana Audubon Bird Festival in Kalispell (click HERE for more information), from Montana Audubon or your local birding store. The new edition will cost $15, plus $5 shipping and handling ($20 total). We will post ordering information on our website as the June publishing date gets closer.
To Purchase a Copy of the current 6th Edition:
If you can't wait to get a copy of Montana Bird Distribution, you can still order the 6th edition of this book, which was released in 2003. To obtain a copy, please send a check for $15 (includes postage) to Montana Audubon, P.O. Box 595, Helena, MT 59624.
For more information about this project, contact Janet Ellis, Montana Audubon's Program Director, at 406-443-3949 or jellis@mtaudubon.org
How to Submit Bird Records for MBD database & 7th edition book:
If you want to contribute bird observation records to Montana Bird Distribution, you can enter records online, 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.