Date: 11/12/12 11:14 am
From: <jovet...>
Subject: Re: Plea for decoding abbreviations Re: [MDBirding] WEKI OC Airport



I second the motion for explicit, English names and explicit locations in accounts. The OMGB found OMBG piques interest, but doesn't convey much useful information (see footnote).

Were this a scientific forum alone, then "scientific notation" would be - perhaps - appropriate. Given that this is a public forum, writing in a language that is understandable by all would be very, very helpful.

It might also be helpful to realize that this list will exist in archive form, perhaps indefinately. For those future birders and phenologists, it might be helpful to be able to trace, with some widely acceptable and referenceable precision (especially location) what has been seen and where.

Four-letter species codes are used by a variety of scientists. And they are useful tools. Their usefulness fails when they are used inappropriately. They are field codes. They are shorthand, but they are not scientifically appropriate speciation communication. They are based on common names and agreed upon by a group of experts and leaders in the field - as shorthand. They are not science communication.

An example: I personally have used species codes for tree identification when measuring plots with scientists. In that case, the species codes are a convention which are commonly used among this community of scientists (like our bird conventions). They are based on the SCIENTIFIC NAME of the species (Red Maple would be ACRU - for Acer rubrum), not on the common name (unlike our bird codes). Common names are multiple for each species and quickly changing - basing any code on common names begs for induced error.

At the end of the day in the field, we end up with a long list of species coded names. They match the "Accepted" convention in the scientific community. However - because accuracy is important, and because I'm working with scientists who guard against error induction and to minimize variables - this list will NEVER be forwarded as species codes!!!! No, never. When communicating the findings or the data in publications, the scientists will use "Red Maple, Acer rubrum" - because accuracy is important. When talking among themselves, they may use either the common name or the genus and species - but not the code. When distributing the raw data, if requested, they will attach a reference list of species codes they have used and the genus and species to which they refer. Because "conventions" can vary and mistakes can be made... and mistakes made at the naming level can be compounded when it comes time for analysis. Species codes are shorthand - and have limits.

In citizen science, one runs the risk that citizens, who are truly intelligent, observant, and diligent, can make inadvertent errors by not fully understanding what it is they do. Codes are a case in point. They are a great tool, but they have limitations. They should be used in a appropriate manner, in an appropriate forum.

Even if we want to communicate via species code (ViSC) on this list, then in order to have an idea of accuracy, we don't only have to memorize the convention list. We have to memorize who uses codes correctly - and who makes mistakes. "You" may be a scientist and your posts may always be absolutely correct, or "you" may be a neophyte making things up as they go - correct in their own mind, but not quite with the standard convention. When you post your "KIWA" - well, should I believe you or not? (and what is that, anyway?). If we are going to accept codes, then I guess we should also have a reference list so we can check on those who pass a test on species code convention use?

Last point: If one wishes to speak only in conventional species nomenclature, despite all kind cajoling to do otherwise on this list, then one should follow the path of true scientists .... put a referenced link on the Code to the convention list, or for the location, a link to a map or the Lat-Long coordinates. One should not be half-scientific. Half-science becomes a great risk for being whole-junk.

This very sincere plea for explicit English communication (or detailed referenced links for shorthand used) is respectfully and gently offered.

Footnote:

In reference to "The OMGB located OMBG may pique interest, but it's not really communication."

Thats: Oh! Mega Great Bird located On My Back Gate.

Now, wasn't English just a little more informative?



Joanne

Joanne Howl, DVM
West River, MD


-----Original Message-----
From: wcbirding <wcbirding...>
To: Sarah Anderson <sarahb3...>; MDBirding <mdbirding...>
Sent: Mon, Nov 12, 2012 12:50 pm
Subject: Re: Plea for decoding abbreviations Re: [MDBirding] WEKI OC Airport


This bird at this location has been posted to MD Birding I think three times previously over the past two day, hence I from my perspective there was no need to send out such explicit details. Had this been something new I would have been more detailed (as I was yesterday). Western Kingbird. Ocean City Airport.

The alpha codes can be easily be looked up on the internet (the new Crossley guide even includes them in the species accounts). They are used extensively in birding, so it would good for everyone to become familar with them. The construction rules are quite simple. MD Birding can be a learning tool.

Mark Hoffman


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: Sarah Anderson <sarahb3...>
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:12:54 -0500 (EST)
To: <wcbirding...>; <mdbirding...>
Subject: Plea for decoding abbreviations Re: [MDBirding] WEKI OC Airport



While I find it really helpful when the whole bird name is used in the subject line of a post, I understand that typing on mobile devices is difficult and that there are times when people are trying to get information out quickly. But please, please, please take a moment to type the whole name of the bird in the body of your email. There are a lot of us who don't know what a "WEKI" is.

It's also really desirable to give location and county name. Pretty sure "OC" is Ocean City but .... again, please bear in mind that there are people looking at these posts that are not familiar with the area and have no idea what "OC" means or where it is. Maryland is a wonderfully large, geographically diverse state. Not everyone subscribed to MDBirding is from Maryland, not even necessarily from a nearby state.

Thanks in advance for getting good info into the posts!



Sarah B. Anderson
Cabin John, MD
www.sarahanderson.net





-----Original Message-----
From: wcbirding <wcbirding...>
To: MDBirding <mdbirding...>
Sent: Mon, Nov 12, 2012 11:59 am
Subject: [MDBirding] WEKI OC Airport


Continues along fence line, with bluebirds.

Mark Hoffman
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

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