Gene,

The IBA program can contribute to Rob's bird models. We have just completed a series of Bird Blitzes that covered the Prettyboy watershed, and one of our Bird Blitzes last year was in the Liberty watershed. I'll send this information soon. Several other birders have posted bird info on Md Osprey recently on the Liberty area, including John Hubbell and Jerry Tarbell (hope it's OK if mention you both).

Gene, I didn't see Rob's e-mail address in the message you sent. Could you post it on the list and pass this on to him.

Thanks,

Dave


-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Eugene J. Scarpulla
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2007 12:50 AM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Fw: Request for Watershed Bird Data


MDOsprey,


In real-life, I am the Watershed Manager for the City of Baltimore.  I manage the Reservoir Natural Resources Section and am responsible for Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy Watersheds.  Some of you may be familiar with a former Cecil Countian, Rob Northrop.  For many years, Rob Northrop was the Central Regional Watershed Forester for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.  In that capacity, Rob was instrumental in the development of "A Comprehensive Forest Conservation Plan for the Long-term Watershed Protection on the City of Baltimore's Reservoirs."



I have received a request from Rob for bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian data for the City of Baltimore's three reservoir watersheds.  This data is needed for completion of his Masters degree in Wildlife Conservation at the University of Delaware.



I am making this request to four groups of birders:

1) Baltimore County Breeding Bird Atlas surveyors that covered Liberty, Loch Raven or Prettyboy Reservoir property.

2) Carroll County Breeding Bird Atlas surveyors that covered Liberty or Prettyboy Reservoir property.

3) IBA (Important Bird Area) Bird Blitzers at any of the reservoir properties.

4) Birders that regularly bird at any of the reservoir properties.



Please read Rob's request below.  If you think that you can assist him with the requested data, please e-mail him and cc me.  I would also like to obtain the bird information for the watershed wildlife files and possible development into three watershed checklists..



Thank you for your consideration.



Gene





----- Original Message ----- 

From: Northrop,Robert J

To: 

Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2007 2:22 PM

Subject: Habitat Assessment



Hi Gene,



Thanks for agreeing to lend a hand with this part of my University of Delaware M.S. thesis - putting together a wildlife/habitat model that the City of Baltimore can use to better manage the forest habitat on their reservoir watershed properties (Liberty, Loch Raven and Prettyboy).



I am nearing the completion of an automated (computer driven) wildlife/habitat model for Maryland (for the U.S. Forest Service and for my M.S. thesis) that will allow the user to take forest composition and structure data and create a detailed description of an area's potential use by vertebrates - mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.  The required habitat data types are exactly what were collected on the City of Baltimore reservoir properties when we developed the forest conservation plans.



I need to assess the accuracy of the model and am asking for you assistance. 



I am looking for reputable lists of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that have been observed on any of the three City of Baltimore reservoir forests.  I need to know the species and approximate location; this does not need to be terribly specific, mainly which reservoir property.



I would be more then happy to take a list or to have an email conversation with an observer.



If you have any questions about my request please give me a call, or send along an email.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Thanks again for your help and consideration.  Talk to you soon .... Rob



P.S. As soon as the accuracy assessment is completed I will forward the habitat analysis tool to you.



Rob Northrop

Extension Forester

University of Florida/ Hillsborough Co. Extension

5339 County Road 579

Seffner, Florida  33584

813-744-5519 x106