All, I'm not sure Ira is correct in that the RBA is dead. All I can say is that myself, Dave Leatherman and John Drummond have stepped down from our positions as RBA Compilers. For the most part we all agree eBird duplicates the RBA and it would be nice if COBIRDS was used more as a platform to DISCUSS birds, rather than duplicate eBird RBA lists.
My hope is that COBIRDS returns to a platform where we discuss birds, habitats, behaviors, etc, and where we share experiences in the field vs lists of what someone has seen (as once again eBird serves this purpose in real timer for those interested in chasing birds). My most productive part birding today wasn't observing a bird, it was encountering someone on a path a few blocks from my home who saw me with binoculars and told me she heard a noise and subsequently found a dead Robin near a window. I explained to her how birds see reflections in windows and are unable to discern if they are seeing a reflection of a tree, feeder, etc or an actual tree, feeder, etc. She was intrigued and I brought her to see my windows which have special reflective CollidEscape coverings on them. I happened to have some extra tape, explained it needed to be spaced at most 4" apart if placing vertically (as I have on my windows). She then noticed some birds at my water fountains and a few at my feeders. I was able to explain why water is so important for birds, etc. She was excited to watch House Finches begging for food. Guess what, she wants to join me for a walk next weekend. To me, this is MUCH more satisfying than the time I spend on the RBA. I will add that this week I had someone complain about which font was used on the RBA; that a name was spelled incorrectly; that a breeding bird they reported was left off the list; that a first found date and name were incorrect; that a bird reported in a County which specified their regulations prohibit visitors from leaving their cars was left off the RBA, etc. Never a Thank You for helping out with the RBA......Also, never a "what's in the best interest of the bird or a what's in the interest for the community". To me, THIS is what should be every birders first priority. I do hope the RBA continues for those of you that look at it. I don't regret my time as a Compiler. I just believe my priorities have changed with the prominent eBird GPS type of birding and with the fact that during COVID-19 travel restrictions so many birders openly violated them. Good Birding and Stay Safe, Allison Hilf Aurora, CO -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHN%3DnEMr7w35i%2B%3DurZQxOdVHDn%2B13VKXPj-LWqWNCiM8nc3vqw%40mail.gmail.com.
