Date: 4/26/25 10:06 am From: Paul Roisen via groups.io <roisenp1950...> Subject: [NEBirds] eBird Checklist protocols!!!
Greeting to everyone from Sioux City, Iowa. The location of a crazy birder who is as far away from the birding locations in IOWA and in NEBRASKA and in SOUTH DAKOTA.
I have recently started seeing a good number of check list from the three states that have ALL the species that the were listed marked as "1". Having ask a number people I know why they have started using only the number 1 for birds seen: the response was that sometimes they could not ever estimate the numbers so they put down a "1". Others told me that X was not very precise and others said it was just easier than county so "1" was the number they put in. Several indicated that X seemed wrong so "1" seemed better.
eBird was established to scientifically record numbers of birds and patterns of migration and many other important details to provide data regarding endangered species. changes in migration and ranges where species are found. That said, eBird has a firm protocol for completing checklists so that the number of birds of each species you list on your checklist have value to researchers. While you are not required to follow protocol it would be very helpful to Cornell/eBird research. If you do not follow protocols your ebird checklist will NOT be of any help to the scientific study!
Protocols: #1 "1" means 1 bird and 2 means two birds etc. #2 If you are unsure about whether you sad 16 or 19 of something, PUT DOWN your best guess such as "18" that is close enough #3 If there were large numbers of the species but you give your best "estimate" as "200" or "5000" or .... reasonable estimates are better than 1 or X #4 X Use the X for large numbers of birds which you do not believe you can make any kind of a reasonable estimate.
The ebird reviewers would very much appreciate *your help* by using the proper protocols regarding this portion of your checklist.
Checklists that contain all "1's" or all "X's" will show up on your personal list but will not be included for reporting purposes.
We realize that using only "1s" is easier but most people and the ebird review will likely discount your checklist "out of hand".
Thanks.
God Bless you in your birding endeavors.
*Paul O. Roisen* *Woodbury County, IA* *Mobile 712-301-2817*
