Thanks for the clearification. I'm a little embarrased by my apparent ignorance about the VBBA. I've never been closely associated with the atlas project, but think it's a very worthwhile effort. I live in upstate New York (near Ticonderoga) and subscribe to VTBIRD to see what's going on in nearby Vermont. I'm sure that there are subscribers of very diverse experience levels who subscribe for many differing reasons and appreciate detailed postings - those giving location and access information are greatly appreciated. Thanks again for your clearification. Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: "Roy Pilcher" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2005 9:35 AM Subject: [VTBIRD] My apologies! > My apologies to birders for the cryptic language on my postings. One makes > assumptions which at times are obviously incorrect. My assumption was that > birders in Vermont are now well familiar with the Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas > that is now in its third year and which is a follow-up of that undertaken 25 > years ago. Each USGS map of Vermont was divided into six equal approximately > 10 square mile areas and numbered 1 through 6. Incidentally the Vermont > Butterfly Survey that is now in its fourth year appropriated the same blocks for > its survey. Hence this observer's postings applied to both the VBBA and the > VBS. > With the VBBA there are three levels of confirmation as to breeding > activity, PO (POSSIBLE) being the lowest, PR (PROBABLE) being the next highest and CO > (CONFIRMED) being the highest. All of this information is of course > available to all by going to the VINS web site. > Trusting that this will help alleviate the confusion. > To be sure such postings of this observer do not quicken the desire to go > seek out a particular species but will, hopefully, help energize those who have > undertaken to contribute many, many hours to the knowledge of Vermont's > breeding birds. > Cheers, > Roy Pilcher > Proctor, Vermont. > > Speaking the Same Language >