Information Required of All Sightings^ 



The bird distribution database includes only those records that are accurate and complete. In 

 order to be included in the database, c\enTecord that is submitted into the Montana Bird Distribution 

 database must have the following information: 



• NAME of the bird species (either common or scientific). 



• DATE of the sighting. Dates are critical for knowing when birds are arriving, breeding, or 



migrating through Montana. The date also gives database managers a tool for verifying records. 

 For example, a breeding record for a warbler in March would not be accepted without substantial 

 documentation. Consequently, records without dates are not accepted. 



• LOCATION of the observation. In addition to quarter-latilong information, a short description 



of the location of all records is requested (i.e.. Wild Horse Lake; west side of Ear Mountain; 

 along Pumpkin Creek in Volborg; etc. ), as well as a legal description (Township, Range, Section), 

 if possible. For finer resolution in determining locations and quarter-latilongs, please refer to 

 U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), or U.S. Geological Survey (LISGS) 

 maps; or the Aiontana Atlas and Gdzetcecr (DeLorme 2001 ). Exact locations (latitude and 

 longitude) are also valuable if recorded. 



• STATUS: Observations submitted with a "B" or "W" must be accompanied by information 



documenting why the designation was used. Specific details abt)ut nest location (tree, clitt, 

 island, e.g.) are also extremely helpful. 



A detailed description of "B" appears under Status Symbol Codes and Criteria on pigc 6. At 

 least one of the five specific criteria must be met to qualify' a sighting for this category (i.e., 

 occupied nest, dependent young, etc. ). If no information is included in the Comments section 

 to justify a "B" designation, the record will be recorded as a "b." 



Similarly, 'W" has a specific definition that needs to be documented: "regu/ar sightings during 

 the winter period." Without documentation, a (upper case) "W" will be recorded in the 

 database as a (lower case) "w." 



• NAME and TELEPHONE NUMBER of the observer. This information allows the observer 



to be contacted if questions about a submitted record should arise. 



Because of the volume of data being managed and the limited time available for scrutiny of 

 individual bird sighting records submitted, the effort made to provide complete and accurate information 

 is greatly appreciated. 



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