Bird Recording

Below is an extract from an E mail I have received from Craig Thomas (Chairman Ornithological Section YNU) regarding a proposed new system for recording the bird life of Yorkshire. Initially the Bird Club recorder Nick Dawtrey had reservations about this new system but having spoken with Craig he now informs me that he is in favour and would like representatives of the Halifax Birdwatchers Club to attend the meeting on 8th February (he cannot attend himself). I am prepared to attend but would prefer other Bird Club "members" to attend also, I would not feel comfortable being the sole representative especially after the resistance expressed by some to the merging together of the Conservation Group and the Bird Club. If you would like to attend please get in touch.

Thanks

Nick Carter


Hi Nick

Whilst I realise that this is short notice, I am trying to flag up an exciting initiative that will hopefully transform bird recording/conservation in Yorkshire. A letter was sent out by John Wint to the local societies back in December, but I am unsure who it went to in your group.

Natural England, the Yorkshire & Humber Environmental Data Network and the YNU are jointly holding a meeting to discuss the exciting potential of a partnership project that will:

Help transform the ability of local societies to produce an annual report;

Help societies financial viability; most importantly, aid the conservation of threatened birds across the county.

This is a follow-up to a conference held on 10 Feb 2008 and will answer several queries that were raised then. In particular, the meeting will focus on:

harness technologies to interpret data held by the Local Records Centres (inc. BTO and RSPB data) to produce a bird report;

increase societies' potential income streams arising from requests for bird data from consultants;
demonstrating support for the project by the RSPB and the BTO.

Contrary to previous correspondence, there will be no charge for this event, lunch will be provided and the meeting will be held on 8 Feb 2009 at St George Hotel, Harrogate. It will start at 10AM and finish by 4.30PM latest.

By determining the distribution of threatened species, organisations like Natural England will be able to target monies in the best places to optimise the future for these declining birds.

Should you require further information, please get in touch. I hope you can intend.