On Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:24:44 -0000, BTO GBW
wrote:


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.


As a contributor to GBW for some years I fully support the project and I
am happy that I get out it as much, if not more, than I input. Whilst I
do have some concerns about the big business ethic of the RSPB and the
disproportionate influence it has in some quarters, I wholeheartedly
support the aims of the BTO and am grateful for the knowledge that I have
gained from them, particularly from their reports and publications.

It is worth bearing in mind that the OP does have a long history of
confrontations with various conservation organisations and URGlers may
wish to check his bona fides before responding.

--
rbel