Hi guys,

Thanks for doing this!  

Like you, I have noticed that there are some hot spots that are in the wrong place, etc.  I'll glance around the ebird site and see if I can ID any particulars in our area -- and send them one.

Here's a question:  What happens to individuals' records if spots are renamed, etc.  (i.e. what happens to "Avian Sam's" life-list observation of a Bee-eater in Bennington if you change the name of the hot spot where he registered his observation)?   I'm guessing you'll say it'll be OK, but thought the question was worth clarifying.

Thanks again for all your dedication,

Scott Sainsbury
Moretown


On Aug 12, 2012, at 7:30 AM, Ian A. Worley wrote:

> Hello Vermont birders,
> 
> With Kent McFarland's blessing we (Ron Payne and Ian Worley) are undertaking a review and updating of all the eBird Hotspots in Vermont.
> 
> eBird states:  "Hotspots are public birding locations created by eBird users.  Using Hotspots, multiple birders can enter data into the same shared location, creating aggregated results available through the View and Explore Data tool."  They are especially valuable for birders wanting an easy way to know what species are known from particular locations, especially those known to be good birding spots.
> 
> In the next few weeks we will be
>     1.  Processing backlogged requests for new hotspots
>     2.  Assessing all current hotspots for use, accuracy of location, redundancy, naming, etc.
>     3.  Merging redundant hotspots
>     4.  Renaming hotspots as necessary to better identify the location and to conform to naming standards
>     5.  Moving hotspot markers to more precise locations if needed
>     6.  Encouraging individuals to use hotspots rather than add personal locations at the exact same location.
> 
> We would like your help.  If you know of hotspots that are improperly located, named, etc., please let us know.  If there are hotspots that are used for monitoring projects (other than personal long-term records), we would love to hear about them.  And, tell us about any other issues or interests regarding hotspots you think we should know about.
> 
> Contact us at:
>        Ron Payne <[log in to unmask]>
>        Ian Worley <[log in to unmask]>
> 
> Thanks, and enjoy the upcoming migrations!
> 
> Ron & Ian
> 


Scott Sainsbury
Beacon Associates
P.O. 1660
Waitsfield, Vt.  05673
802-496-9393 ext 13
802-249-0525 (mobile)
www.beaconassociates.com