E Bird is a great success in Vermont. I don’t know how many sightings have been reported over the years – they must run into the thousands. I’m sure Kent could tell us.
While E Bird is unsurpassed for finding information on individual species with dates, counts and locations, other data could probably be mined from its vast data base. For instance:
• What are the top ten locations in Vermont for generating E Bird reports? I might guess the West Rutland Swamp, Mount Philo, Shelburne Bay, Mount Mansfield, Pearl Street in Brandon, etc., but I really don’t know. The list could be titled “Vermont’s Ten Most Birded Spots”.
• Which locations in Vermont have generated the largest number of individual species reports? Are there places where over 150 species have been sighted? 100? 75?
• Which Vermont birders are the most active E Bird contributors?
• What are the ten rarest birds spotted in Vermont? I think of Whooping Crane, Painted Bunting, Black-Tailed Gull, Golden-Crowned Sparrow, the currently visiting Prothonotary Warbler and several others. Selection criteria might be single species sightings from a specific location over a relatively short time interval.
• At the other end of the spectrum, what are the most commonly reported species either by number of E Bird reports containing them, or by total count of individuals? Chickadee, House Sparrow, Crow, Starling, Blue Jay? The list might be called “The Trash Birds of Vermont”.
Anyhow, I’m sure other folks could suggest other lists. It might be interesting.
Larry the Compulsive Lister
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