The IOU recommends specific channels when using the FRS / GMRS portable radios (check the tag line on list-serve messages). However, there seems to be a problem with the"using" part. Not many people are carrying and using the radios. The Otter Creek Marsh / Swallow - tailed Kite searches would be a perfect time to employ the radios. The area is small enough for the transmissions to be in range. All the searchers scattered around the area would get the word at the same time if the bird is spotted -- regardless of their respective locations. People come and go during this type search making it imposable to know who is actually in the area, I would like to see the radios employed more often as an aid to communicate with as many as possible. Nothing like a late report to make your day complete on one of these quests.
During my visit to the marsh everyone I met made an effort to communicate with what was available but it would have been better had we used radios. The relay of the sighting was dependent on a person driving to key locations around the marsh to spread the word, the messenger had no idea who might be found at the locations or if he missed anyone. We don't register at these rare bird locations so maybe we could do a better job of communicating.. The messenger made it possible for me to see the bird but I don't think that everyone was that lucky.
Gerald White Muscatine, IA --- Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! --- Birding channel recommendation for FRS/GMRS radio use: Primary selection; channel 5/0 , alternate selection; channel 6/0 --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/PayDues.aspx. ----- You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: [email protected]
