Landbird
Monitoring Network of the AmericasResearchers use several techniques to monitor landbirds. Many set up mist nets to capture birds for banding. When the bird is in the hand, a researcher can get precise information on age, sex, and physical condition of the bird, as well as take samples for stable isotope and DNA analyses that might not be obtainable by any other techniques. Many programs also utilize various census techniques such as point counts, area searches, and migration counts.
One of the goals of the Network is found in our motto "No data left behind." Therefore, we encourage our members to archive their data against future loss. We also plan to search out those data sets that are on the verge of being lost.
Our primary focus is on the spring and fall migration seasons, when short- and long-distance migrants, as well as birds largely considered to be resident, are moving. In the post-breeding period, birds are preparing for the northern winter and are subject to their period of greatest mortality. However, we will also accommodate data from the breeding and winter seasons.
Banding Data
We are happy to report that the Avian Knowledge Network's (AKN) database Bird Monitoring Data Exchange (BMDE) is now accepting banding data, which, until now, included only census-related data. You can see the entire BMDE version 1.38 schema by clicking here. Once the LaMNA schema is accepting data, it will be able to feed data directly to the AKN.
We have already uploaded data from the Klamath Bird Monitoring Network and are putting the final touches on the LaMNA data tracking system. It can be seen on the AKN website at http://www.avianknowledge.net/content/datasets/projects/kbmn_band.
For purposes of the Network, we are concentrating largely on archiving banding data that derives from past, present, and future constant effort banding operations. We have been working with researchers and data specialists at Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Canadian Wildlife Service, PRBO Conservation Sciences, Redwood Sciences Laboratory and Klamath Bird Observatory to develop the banding database schema to extend the BMDE. Leo Salas, LaMNA Banding Data Coordinator, finalized the banding data variables for the BMDE, which will inform the final schema for LaMNA.
Please
contact Linda Long 
if you are interested in submitting data.
Census Data
The Network will work with LaMNA members to archive census data with Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN), and eBird. EBird currently allows birders to enter observations directly to their web site and is developing methods for uploading data files. Click here to read more about eBird. If you are interested in archiving census data with AKN, please see their information on contributing data at http://www.avianknowledge.net/content/contribute.
Data Sharing Policy
We want our members to be assured that we will treat all of their data with the utmost respect. Please read our Data and Analysis Tool Sharing Policy, which details how the data that you submit to our node will be utilized, both for downloading by users and with the online analysis tool. It also details the five levels of access for data archived at LaMNA.
Webmaster:
Linda L. Long,
Updated
October 14, 2008