How to Submit Bird Observations
If you want to contribute bird observation records to the Montana Bird Distribution database or book, you can enter records on-line, enter them into a spreadsheet, or mail us a paper copy of your records:
- Submit records by entering the information on line via the Natural Heritage Tracker: http://mtnhp.org/Tracker/.
- Download an Excel spreadsheet that includes fields for various mapping coordinate systems and life history stages, enter your bird sightings, and periodically submit your records to Bryce Maxell at bmaxell@mt.gov. If records are received in this digital format they will be appended to the main database and be available for biologists and resource managers to use within approximately a week of submission. Please contact Bryce Maxell with any questions regarding submission of records in this format
- Adopt a small area called a quarter-quarter latilong (QQLL) and complete an Excel spreadsheet or hard copy form that does not contain fields for various map coordinate systems or life history stages. Learn more about this system at http://mtaudubon.org/birds/distributionQQLL.html. Submit spreadsheets or hard copy records for adopted QQLLs to Janet Ellis at jellis@mtaudubon.org. Records received in this digital format will be appended to the main database on a less regular basis due to the additional processing effort required to map the records to the location provided and separate comments into compatible database fields. Please contact Janet Ellis with any questions regarding submission of records in this format.
