Michael - with very great respect not I (or I believe Russell) were in any way
suggesting that amateurs dont have a place. To acknowledge the importance of
one group shouldnt be taken as an implication that another group isnt-
certainly not what i was saying. Many great birders ( and myself included) I
know contribute enormously to birds, birding and their study and conservation
in a miriad of ways every day including research, surveys etc etc and I know
that as an example that the Brisbane City Council works closely with local
birders in the collection of data. indeed I think everyday birders ( if
thats the right term) do get recognition for their contribution to bird science.
However there are also many highly skilled and committed scientists,
researchers and educators who also contribute enormously in different and
critically important ways
As i said in my post - theres a place for all of us.
cheers
David Taylor
On 05/03/2010, at 5:40 PM, michael norris wrote:
> Hi Russell and all
>
> With very great respect that misses the point that amateurs have a lot to
> offer (as you do in your way).
>
> Citizen science is highly respected across the globe but it seems that we in
> Australia are supposed to leave it to the experts.
>
> Challenge a Council Plan and you may be asked what authority there is for the
> bird data.
>
> And how many Councils encourage citizen science in their search for
> evidence-based policies?
>
> We birdos need encouragement - not barriers - to contributing to policy.
>
> Michael Norris
>
>
> The Bayside Leader is online. Click the map at
> http://leader.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
|