"Malcolm" wrote in message
...

In article , BTO GBW
writes

kay;904411 Wrote:


Has anyone asked Garden Bird Watch for their response?

We completely understand the suspicion that sometimes surrounds 'citizen
science' projects, especially where some form of subscription is
involved. The year-round BTO Garden BirdWatch (GBW) certainly has
scientific merit, with a sizeable publication record of peer-reviewed
scientific papers. The survey relies on its robust and repeatable
methods to collect large-scale information on how birds (and other taxa)
use gardens and how this use varies over time, in relation to
surrounding habitat, within garden practices and geographic location.

Although there is variation in the ability of individual participants,
and in the amount of time they spend carrying out the recording, our
statistical models typically include a site-effect, which enables us to
control for this variation. From a statistical perspective, the sheer
size of the project increases its robustness, since it is the underlying
patterns that are important.

The survey is self-funded, through the generosity of its participants
and without this funding we would not be able to operate such a scheme.
GBW data feed into conservation indicators and have real value, allowing
us to collect information for a habitat that is difficult to monitor. It
is worth noting that the BTO is an independent and impartial research
organisation. It does not campaign and it is well-respected for its
rigorous scientific position.

You should note that the original poster has been trolling these same
views on GBW in not only this newsgroup but also
uk.environment.conservation and uk.rec.birdwatching.

You should also note that he is strongly anti-conservation and
conservation organisations. See, for example:

http://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/opinions/a3285_00.html

which sets out the court case in which the Woodland Trust sued him
concerning what he was saying about them and won.

I have already informed him of the scientific value of the GBW, for
example:

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%...l.pone.0012215

and, from the Independent website
"This citizen science project highlights the valuable role that volunteers
can play in helping us learn more about wildlife diseases, even by just
watching birds in their gardens for a couple of hours each week," said
Becki Lawson, a wildlife vet from the Zoological Society of London and
another lead author of the study.

--
Just to add to what Malcolm has said and warn urglers that Angus was a
perfect nuisance on the birdwatching group some time ago re his
anti-conservation organisation stance in particular the RSPB. I'd hoped
he'd gone but it seems he's resurfaced to try his luck on gardeners.
He'll just go back in my killfile.
Tina