It means we are out of luck. Mark Szantyr Storrs, CT > On Aug 9, 2024, at 7:13 AM, Paul Plotnick via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: > > I'm 90 years old and don't have a so-called smartphone. This is my only > source of CT birding news. > What does all this mean to me and the few remaining old-time birders like > me? > > Paul Plotnick > Stamford > >> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 11:12 PM Matthew Bell via CTBirds < >> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >> >> I can understand thinking it could be “classist”, but I think more overall >> it’s generational. Connecticut is one of the few remaining states with an >> active listserv. The rest have all died as younger people continue to join >> the birding community and prefer apps such as WhatsApp, Discord, and >> GroupMe. If you travel to any state and want to be in the know, you have to >> have at least one of those three because there’s no immediate information >> anymore on email chains. It’s all text-based. In fact, most young birders >> laugh at listservs and don’t take them seriously, from what I’ve witnessed. >> I know I’ve had discussions with multiple CT birders over the last couple >> years as to how surprising it is that our listserv has survived while >> almost every other has died. >> >> For example: 50 birding listserv emails have been sent across the whole >> USA today, with 12 of them coming from CT, the 3rd smallest state. It’s an >> example of how much things have changed. >> >> It’s also not just listservs that have taken a hit. For years, Facebook >> has been the bridge between listservs and texting. But even now, younger >> people are shunning Facebook and many rare birds don’t even make it to >> statewide RBA groups or nationwide ones for hours, if not days, when >> previously it would be within seconds of an initial report coming through. >> It’s just a sign of the continual changing times. >> >> A reminder that you don’t need a smartphone though, to access any of the >> apps. GroupMe has a web portal (https://web.groupme.com/signin) and the >> other ones I mentioned, WhatsApp and Discord, both have desktop apps for >> both PC and Mac computers. If you do have the GroupMe app, it’s also worth >> noting that MA, RI, NJ, ME, and NH are all also on GroupMe, so if you want >> links to those groups as well just ask and someone (including myself) can >> get you in the invite link. And of course, crossposting of mega rarities >> will continue. That’s something that definitely can't be forgotten. >> >> -Matt Bell >> Vernon >> >>> On Aug 8, 2024, at 21:58, Dana Campbell via CTBirds < >> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>> >>> Thanks, Chuck. You're the best. I am afraid that this segmentation >> forcing >>> people onto phone apps is, in my opinion, a classist move. Not everyone >> in >>> my acquaintance can afford new phones, internet service, and new apps. I >>> fear we are shutting some folks out, which makes me very sad. I was just >>> saying to Andrew that I had been trying to get a young birder plugged in >> to >>> the birding community, but that she lives on a shoestring and simply >> cannot >>> afford high tech. >>> I am so grateful for your cross posting! Perhaps COA needs to move beyond >>> the rarified Ffld County air? (speaking as a person whose family lived >> for >>> decades there) I guess this move simply institutionalizes what has been >>> happening among some. >>> Sigh. >>> Dana >>> >>> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024, 9:33 PM imbercj--- via CTBirds < >>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>> >>>> Hi Andrew and Deirdra - >>>> >>>> I'm glad you asked these questions and I am replying to all since others >>>> are likely wondering the same thing. >>>> >>>> There's nothing wrong with continuing to post rarities on CT Birds! I >>>> always try to cross-post to this listserv when I see rarity reports on >> the >>>> GroupMe or other places like Facebook. I will continue to do so, and I >>>> would encourage everyone on CT Birds to do the same. >>>> >>>> If you know of a rare bird, it couldn't hurt to let the CT Birds >> community >>>> know! >>>> >>>> I hope this clears things up. >>>> >>>> Chuck Imbergamo >>>> CT Birds Moderator >>>> Madison >>>> >>>> ________________________________ >>>> From: Deirdra Wallin via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> >>>> Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2024 6:10 PM >>>> To: Andrew Block <ablock22168@yahoo.com> >>>> Cc: CT Birds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org>; imbercj@comcast.net < >>>> imbercj@comcast.net> >>>> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Important message >>>> >>>> 1. I would appreciate still getting reports here too, though I did sign >> up >>>> for the group today via Aiden’s link. >>>> 2. Watched Joes documentary today and enjoyed it-thank you for sharing >> that >>>> with us and all of the time and work you put into it. >>>> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U2XQeEaQlgQ >>>> 3. I would definitely also appreciate discussion and sharing of other >>>> information on this list serve such as migration, and people’s favorite >>>> birding spots and such. It’s nice to read people’s personal perspectives >>>> and experiences. It also helps us to be on the look out for different >> birds >>>> that might be passing through. >>>> All in all, I do appreciate this list serv! >>>> Sincerely, >>>> Deirdra Wallin >>>> Brookfield >>>> >>>> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 5:44 PM Andrew Block via CTBirds < >>>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I hope people still do post rarities here since for some this and the >> FB >>>>> group is the only place they get reports. I know I'm in the minority, >>>> but >>>>> not everyone is interested in using those phone apps. If you could use >>>>> them on a computer then maybe I would use them. These lists were a >>>>> wonderful place to get rarity reports and it's a shame people have >> moved >>>>> away from them in most states. I loved getting a rarity report and >> will >>>>> miss them. A shame. Sad. I see so many less rarities now:-( I will >>>>> probably leave the list if rarities are not posted here anymore. >>>>> Andrew >>>>> Andrew BlockConsulting Naturalist >>>>> Yonkers, New York www.flickr.com/photos/conuropsis/albums< >>>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/conuropsis/albums> >>>>> >>>>> On Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 11:03:41 AM EDT, imbercj--- via >>>> CTBirds >>>>> <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> A message from the COA President and the CT Birds Moderator: >>>>> >>>>> Communications Resources for Birders in Connecticut >>>>> >>>>> The CT Birds listserv began as a tool to report rarities and notable >>>> birds >>>>> some 20 years ago, using the email technology that was new at the time. >>>> It >>>>> replaced a system where birders could report rarities (or call in to >> find >>>>> out about them) using the telephone. Today, there are instant message >>>>> technologies to get alerts out quickly and these have the added >> benefits >>>> of >>>>> location and photo sharing. >>>>> >>>>> Unfortunately, a proliferation of these new technologies led to some >>>>> fragmentation and confusion in our Connecticut birding community, and >> at >>>>> the same time reports of notable birds on CT Birds have declined as >> many >>>> of >>>>> the listers and chasers have adopted the new instant message tools. >>>>> >>>>> Recognizing this reality, and since birding is about more than chasing >>>>> rarities, we would like CT Birds to become more than an additional >> alert >>>>> resource. We hope that future posts on CT Birds will emphasize >> migration >>>>> trends and patterns, discussion of birds and birding issues, notify >>>> birders >>>>> of events and activities, raise questions and seek assistance, and >>>>> generally serve as a birding community discussion forum for birders at >>>> all >>>>> levels of expertise. We hope and expect that Connecticut’s more >>>>> experienced and active birders will continue to contribute discoveries, >>>>> expertise, and assistance to the birding community via CT Birds. >>>>> >>>>> Below are some birding communications resources available - each is >>>> listed >>>>> with its primary purpose: >>>>> >>>>> • CT Birds will be an open discussion group as described above. A new >>>> set >>>>> of guidelines is being developed and will be released soon. The CT >> Birds >>>>> listserv will continue to be moderated by Chuck Imbergamo under the new >>>>> guidelines which will include the standard rules of civility and >>>> relevance. >>>>> Sign up for CT Birds here: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>> >>>>> • CT RBA GroupMe group is an instant message application for your >>>>> smartphone. This tool is intended for reporting truly RARE birds for >> our >>>>> state. Examples would be vagrant birds from other regions and birds >>>>> considered rare on migration. There is a limited list of birds which >>>>> should be reported using this tool. You can join the CT RBA group >> here: >>>>> https://groupme.com/join_group/83300607/1yz3Vwak >>>>> >>>>> • eBird, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is widely considered to >> be >>>>> the best place to record sightings of any and all birds, rare or not. >> We >>>>> encourage all Connecticut birders to create eBird reports to contribute >>>>> valuable data to the eBird database. eBird also provides hourly or >> daily >>>>> alerts of rare birds in a given area, statewide or countywide, among >> many >>>>> other useful features. You can sign up for eBird at >>>> https://ebird.org/home >>>>> and then manage alerts for specific areas here >> https://ebird.org/alerts >>>>> >>>>> Among COA’s organizational objectives are to >>>>> • promote an interest in and an appreciation of birds; >>>>> • disseminate accurate scientific information about birds and their >>>>> habitats; and >>>>> • help facilitate understanding and cooperation between the >>>> ornithological >>>>> community and the general public. >>>>> >>>>> We intend to further these objectives in part through the existing CT >>>>> Birds listserv and we hope all Connecticut birders will participate, >> with >>>>> thanks to those that do. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Christopher Wood >>>>> COA President >>>>> Woodbury >>>>> >>>>> Chuck Imbergamo >>>>> CT Birds Moderator >>>>> Madison >>>>> >>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" >> or >>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>>> >>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" >> or >>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>> >>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>> >>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>> >>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>> >>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>> >>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>> >>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>> >>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>> >>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>> >>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >> list rules and subscription information visit: >> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >> >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >> >> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >> >> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >> list rules and subscription information visit: >> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org > > CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ > > CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/

Not yet. We intend to keep CTBirds as a reliable and dependable resource about birds, birding, and birders in Connecticut for all birders, not just listers and chasers. Chris Chris Wood President - Connecticut Ornithological Association Woodbury, CT 203 558-0654 > On Aug 9, 2024, at 9:38 AM, Mark Szantyr via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: > > It means we are out of luck. > Mark Szantyr > Storrs, CT > > > > >> On Aug 9, 2024, at 7:13 AM, Paul Plotnick via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >> >> I'm 90 years old and don't have a so-called smartphone. This is my only >> source of CT birding news. >> What does all this mean to me and the few remaining old-time birders like >> me? >> >> Paul Plotnick >> Stamford >> >>> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 11:12 PM Matthew Bell via CTBirds < >>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>> >>> I can understand thinking it could be “classist”, but I think more overall >>> it’s generational. Connecticut is one of the few remaining states with an >>> active listserv. The rest have all died as younger people continue to join >>> the birding community and prefer apps such as WhatsApp, Discord, and >>> GroupMe. If you travel to any state and want to be in the know, you have to >>> have at least one of those three because there’s no immediate information >>> anymore on email chains. It’s all text-based. In fact, most young birders >>> laugh at listservs and don’t take them seriously, from what I’ve witnessed. >>> I know I’ve had discussions with multiple CT birders over the last couple >>> years as to how surprising it is that our listserv has survived while >>> almost every other has died. >>> >>> For example: 50 birding listserv emails have been sent across the whole >>> USA today, with 12 of them coming from CT, the 3rd smallest state. It’s an >>> example of how much things have changed. >>> >>> It’s also not just listservs that have taken a hit. For years, Facebook >>> has been the bridge between listservs and texting. But even now, younger >>> people are shunning Facebook and many rare birds don’t even make it to >>> statewide RBA groups or nationwide ones for hours, if not days, when >>> previously it would be within seconds of an initial report coming through. >>> It’s just a sign of the continual changing times. >>> >>> A reminder that you don’t need a smartphone though, to access any of the >>> apps. GroupMe has a web portal (https://web.groupme.com/signin) and the >>> other ones I mentioned, WhatsApp and Discord, both have desktop apps for >>> both PC and Mac computers. If you do have the GroupMe app, it’s also worth >>> noting that MA, RI, NJ, ME, and NH are all also on GroupMe, so if you want >>> links to those groups as well just ask and someone (including myself) can >>> get you in the invite link. And of course, crossposting of mega rarities >>> will continue. That’s something that definitely can't be forgotten. >>> >>> -Matt Bell >>> Vernon >>> >>>> On Aug 8, 2024, at 21:58, Dana Campbell via CTBirds < >>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>> >>>> Thanks, Chuck. You're the best. I am afraid that this segmentation >>> forcing >>>> people onto phone apps is, in my opinion, a classist move. Not everyone >>> in >>>> my acquaintance can afford new phones, internet service, and new apps. I >>>> fear we are shutting some folks out, which makes me very sad. I was just >>>> saying to Andrew that I had been trying to get a young birder plugged in >>> to >>>> the birding community, but that she lives on a shoestring and simply >>> cannot >>>> afford high tech. >>>> I am so grateful for your cross posting! Perhaps COA needs to move beyond >>>> the rarified Ffld County air? (speaking as a person whose family lived >>> for >>>> decades there) I guess this move simply institutionalizes what has been >>>> happening among some. >>>> Sigh. >>>> Dana >>>> >>>> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024, 9:33 PM imbercj--- via CTBirds < >>>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hi Andrew and Deirdra - >>>>> >>>>> I'm glad you asked these questions and I am replying to all since others >>>>> are likely wondering the same thing. >>>>> >>>>> There's nothing wrong with continuing to post rarities on CT Birds! I >>>>> always try to cross-post to this listserv when I see rarity reports on >>> the >>>>> GroupMe or other places like Facebook. I will continue to do so, and I >>>>> would encourage everyone on CT Birds to do the same. >>>>> >>>>> If you know of a rare bird, it couldn't hurt to let the CT Birds >>> community >>>>> know! >>>>> >>>>> I hope this clears things up. >>>>> >>>>> Chuck Imbergamo >>>>> CT Birds Moderator >>>>> Madison >>>>> >>>>> ________________________________ >>>>> From: Deirdra Wallin via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> >>>>> Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2024 6:10 PM >>>>> To: Andrew Block <ablock22168@yahoo.com> >>>>> Cc: CT Birds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org>; imbercj@comcast.net < >>>>> imbercj@comcast.net> >>>>> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Important message >>>>> >>>>> 1. I would appreciate still getting reports here too, though I did sign >>> up >>>>> for the group today via Aiden’s link. >>>>> 2. Watched Joes documentary today and enjoyed it-thank you for sharing >>> that >>>>> with us and all of the time and work you put into it. >>>>> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U2XQeEaQlgQ >>>>> 3. I would definitely also appreciate discussion and sharing of other >>>>> information on this list serve such as migration, and people’s favorite >>>>> birding spots and such. It’s nice to read people’s personal perspectives >>>>> and experiences. It also helps us to be on the look out for different >>> birds >>>>> that might be passing through. >>>>> All in all, I do appreciate this list serv! >>>>> Sincerely, >>>>> Deirdra Wallin >>>>> Brookfield >>>>> >>>>> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 5:44 PM Andrew Block via CTBirds < >>>>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I hope people still do post rarities here since for some this and the >>> FB >>>>>> group is the only place they get reports. I know I'm in the minority, >>>>> but >>>>>> not everyone is interested in using those phone apps. If you could use >>>>>> them on a computer then maybe I would use them. These lists were a >>>>>> wonderful place to get rarity reports and it's a shame people have >>> moved >>>>>> away from them in most states. I loved getting a rarity report and >>> will >>>>>> miss them. A shame. Sad. I see so many less rarities now:-( I will >>>>>> probably leave the list if rarities are not posted here anymore. >>>>>> Andrew >>>>>> Andrew BlockConsulting Naturalist >>>>>> Yonkers, New York www.flickr.com/photos/conuropsis/albums< >>>>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/conuropsis/albums> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 11:03:41 AM EDT, imbercj--- via >>>>> CTBirds >>>>>> <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> A message from the COA President and the CT Birds Moderator: >>>>>> >>>>>> Communications Resources for Birders in Connecticut >>>>>> >>>>>> The CT Birds listserv began as a tool to report rarities and notable >>>>> birds >>>>>> some 20 years ago, using the email technology that was new at the time. >>>>> It >>>>>> replaced a system where birders could report rarities (or call in to >>> find >>>>>> out about them) using the telephone. Today, there are instant message >>>>>> technologies to get alerts out quickly and these have the added >>> benefits >>>>> of >>>>>> location and photo sharing. >>>>>> >>>>>> Unfortunately, a proliferation of these new technologies led to some >>>>>> fragmentation and confusion in our Connecticut birding community, and >>> at >>>>>> the same time reports of notable birds on CT Birds have declined as >>> many >>>>> of >>>>>> the listers and chasers have adopted the new instant message tools. >>>>>> >>>>>> Recognizing this reality, and since birding is about more than chasing >>>>>> rarities, we would like CT Birds to become more than an additional >>> alert >>>>>> resource. We hope that future posts on CT Birds will emphasize >>> migration >>>>>> trends and patterns, discussion of birds and birding issues, notify >>>>> birders >>>>>> of events and activities, raise questions and seek assistance, and >>>>>> generally serve as a birding community discussion forum for birders at >>>>> all >>>>>> levels of expertise. We hope and expect that Connecticut’s more >>>>>> experienced and active birders will continue to contribute discoveries, >>>>>> expertise, and assistance to the birding community via CT Birds. >>>>>> >>>>>> Below are some birding communications resources available - each is >>>>> listed >>>>>> with its primary purpose: >>>>>> >>>>>> • CT Birds will be an open discussion group as described above. A new >>>>> set >>>>>> of guidelines is being developed and will be released soon. The CT >>> Birds >>>>>> listserv will continue to be moderated by Chuck Imbergamo under the new >>>>>> guidelines which will include the standard rules of civility and >>>>> relevance. >>>>>> Sign up for CT Birds here: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>>> >>>>>> • CT RBA GroupMe group is an instant message application for your >>>>>> smartphone. This tool is intended for reporting truly RARE birds for >>> our >>>>>> state. Examples would be vagrant birds from other regions and birds >>>>>> considered rare on migration. There is a limited list of birds which >>>>>> should be reported using this tool. You can join the CT RBA group >>> here: >>>>>> https://groupme.com/join_group/83300607/1yz3Vwak >>>>>> >>>>>> • eBird, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is widely considered to >>> be >>>>>> the best place to record sightings of any and all birds, rare or not. >>> We >>>>>> encourage all Connecticut birders to create eBird reports to contribute >>>>>> valuable data to the eBird database. eBird also provides hourly or >>> daily >>>>>> alerts of rare birds in a given area, statewide or countywide, among >>> many >>>>>> other useful features. You can sign up for eBird at >>>>> https://ebird.org/home >>>>>> and then manage alerts for specific areas here >>> https://ebird.org/alerts >>>>>> >>>>>> Among COA’s organizational objectives are to >>>>>> • promote an interest in and an appreciation of birds; >>>>>> • disseminate accurate scientific information about birds and their >>>>>> habitats; and >>>>>> • help facilitate understanding and cooperation between the >>>>> ornithological >>>>>> community and the general public. >>>>>> >>>>>> We intend to further these objectives in part through the existing CT >>>>>> Birds listserv and we hope all Connecticut birders will participate, >>> with >>>>>> thanks to those that do. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Christopher Wood >>>>>> COA President >>>>>> Woodbury >>>>>> >>>>>> Chuck Imbergamo >>>>>> CT Birds Moderator >>>>>> Madison >>>>>> >>>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" >>> or >>>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>>> >>>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>>> >>>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>>>> >>>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" >>> or >>>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>>> >>>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>>> >>>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>>> >>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>>> >>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>> >>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>> >>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>> >>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>> >>> >>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>> >>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>> >>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >> >> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >> >> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org > > CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ > > CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/

Hi all, If I'm understanding correctly, no one is out of luck. Those who want just rare bird sightings can subscribe to GroupMe. For those who want general discussion and rare bird sightings just continue to use the listserv. Nothing has really changed other than a specific realtime group rare bird alert has been added. Nothing is being taken away. The listserv will continue.  Chuck, and I, and others will continue to cross post rare birds to the listserv.  Deep breath everyone.  Frank Gallo New Canaan Sent from AOL on Android On Fri, Aug 9, 2024 at 9:42 AM, Mark Szantyr via CTBirds<ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: It means we are out of luck. Mark Szantyr Storrs, CT > On Aug 9, 2024, at 7:13 AM, Paul Plotnick via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: > > I'm 90 years old and don't have a so-called smartphone. This is my only > source of CT birding news. > What does all this mean to me and the few remaining old-time birders like > me? > > Paul Plotnick > Stamford > >> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 11:12 PM Matthew Bell via CTBirds < >> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >> >> I can understand thinking it could be “classist”, but I think more overall >> it’s generational. Connecticut is one of the few remaining states with an >> active listserv. The rest have all died as younger people continue to join >> the birding community and prefer apps such as WhatsApp, Discord, and >> GroupMe. If you travel to any state and want to be in the know, you have to >> have at least one of those three because there’s no immediate information >> anymore on email chains. It’s all text-based. In fact, most young birders >> laugh at listservs and don’t take them seriously, from what I’ve witnessed. >> I know I’ve had discussions with multiple CT birders over the last couple >> years as to how surprising it is that our listserv has survived while >> almost every other has died. >> >> For example: 50 birding listserv emails have been sent across the whole >> USA today, with 12 of them coming from CT, the 3rd smallest state. It’s an >> example of how much things have changed. >> >> It’s also not just listservs that have taken a hit. For years, Facebook >> has been the bridge between listservs and texting. But even now, younger >> people are shunning Facebook and many rare birds don’t even make it to >> statewide RBA groups or nationwide ones for hours, if not days, when >> previously it would be within seconds of an initial report coming through. >> It’s just a sign of the continual changing times. >> >> A reminder that you don’t need a smartphone though, to access any of the >> apps. GroupMe has a web portal (https://web.groupme.com/signin) and the >> other ones I mentioned, WhatsApp and Discord, both have desktop apps for >> both PC and Mac computers. If you do have the GroupMe app, it’s also worth >> noting that MA, RI, NJ, ME, and NH are all also on GroupMe, so if you want >> links to those groups as well just ask and someone (including myself) can >> get you in the invite link. And of course, crossposting of mega rarities >> will continue. That’s something that definitely can't be forgotten. >> >> -Matt Bell >> Vernon >> >>> On Aug 8, 2024, at 21:58, Dana Campbell via CTBirds < >> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>> >>> Thanks, Chuck. You're the best. I am afraid that this segmentation >> forcing >>> people onto phone apps is, in my opinion, a classist move. Not everyone >> in >>> my acquaintance can afford new phones, internet service, and new apps. I >>> fear we are shutting some folks out, which makes me very sad. I was just >>> saying to Andrew that I had been trying to get a young birder plugged in >> to >>> the birding community, but that she lives on a shoestring and simply >> cannot >>> afford high tech. >>> I am so grateful for your cross posting! Perhaps COA needs to move beyond >>> the rarified Ffld County air? (speaking as a person whose family lived >> for >>> decades there) I guess this move simply institutionalizes what has been >>> happening among some. >>> Sigh. >>> Dana >>> >>> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024, 9:33 PM imbercj--- via CTBirds < >>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>> >>>> Hi Andrew and Deirdra - >>>> >>>> I'm glad you asked these questions and I am replying to all since others >>>> are likely wondering the same thing. >>>> >>>> There's nothing wrong with continuing to post rarities on CT Birds!  I >>>> always try to cross-post to this listserv when I see rarity reports on >> the >>>> GroupMe or other places like Facebook.  I will continue to do so, and I >>>> would encourage everyone on CT Birds to do the same. >>>> >>>> If you know of a rare bird, it couldn't hurt to let the CT Birds >> community >>>> know! >>>> >>>> I hope this clears things up. >>>> >>>> Chuck Imbergamo >>>> CT Birds Moderator >>>> Madison >>>> >>>> ________________________________ >>>> From: Deirdra Wallin via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> >>>> Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2024 6:10 PM >>>> To: Andrew Block <ablock22168@yahoo.com> >>>> Cc: CT Birds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org>; imbercj@comcast.net < >>>> imbercj@comcast.net> >>>> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Important message >>>> >>>> 1. I would appreciate still getting reports here too, though I did sign >> up >>>> for the group today via Aiden’s link. >>>> 2. Watched Joes documentary today and enjoyed it-thank you for sharing >> that >>>> with us and all of the time and work you put into it. >>>> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U2XQeEaQlgQ >>>> 3. I would definitely also appreciate discussion and sharing of other >>>> information on this list serve such as migration, and people’s favorite >>>> birding spots and such. It’s nice to read people’s personal perspectives >>>> and experiences. It also helps us to be on the look out for different >> birds >>>> that might be passing through. >>>> All in all, I do appreciate this list serv! >>>> Sincerely, >>>> Deirdra Wallin >>>> Brookfield >>>> >>>> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 5:44 PM Andrew Block via CTBirds < >>>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I hope people still do post rarities here since for some this and the >> FB >>>>> group is the only place they get reports.  I know I'm in the minority, >>>> but >>>>> not everyone is interested in using those phone apps.  If you could use >>>>> them on a computer then maybe I would use them.  These lists were  a >>>>> wonderful place to get rarity reports and it's a shame people have >> moved >>>>> away from them in most states.  I loved getting a rarity report and >> will >>>>> miss them.  A shame.  Sad.  I see so many less rarities now:-(  I will >>>>> probably leave the list if rarities are not posted here anymore. >>>>> Andrew >>>>> Andrew BlockConsulting Naturalist >>>>> Yonkers, New York www.flickr.com/photos/conuropsis/albums< >>>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/conuropsis/albums> >>>>> >>>>>  On Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 11:03:41 AM EDT, imbercj--- via >>>> CTBirds >>>>> <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> A message from the COA President and the CT Birds Moderator: >>>>> >>>>> Communications Resources for Birders in Connecticut >>>>> >>>>> The CT Birds listserv began as a tool to report rarities and notable >>>> birds >>>>> some 20 years ago, using the email technology that was new at the time. >>>> It >>>>> replaced a system where birders could report rarities (or call in to >> find >>>>> out about them) using the telephone.  Today, there are instant message >>>>> technologies to get alerts out quickly and these have the added >> benefits >>>> of >>>>> location and photo sharing. >>>>> >>>>> Unfortunately, a proliferation of these new technologies led to some >>>>> fragmentation and confusion in our Connecticut birding community, and >> at >>>>> the same time reports of notable birds on CT Birds have declined as >> many >>>> of >>>>> the listers and chasers have adopted the new instant message tools. >>>>> >>>>> Recognizing this reality, and since birding is about more than chasing >>>>> rarities, we would like CT Birds to become more than an additional >> alert >>>>> resource.  We hope that future posts on CT Birds will emphasize >> migration >>>>> trends and patterns, discussion of birds and birding issues, notify >>>> birders >>>>> of events and activities, raise questions and seek assistance, and >>>>> generally serve as a birding community discussion forum for birders at >>>> all >>>>> levels of expertise.  We hope and expect that Connecticut’s more >>>>> experienced and active birders will continue to contribute discoveries, >>>>> expertise, and assistance to the birding community via CT Birds. >>>>> >>>>> Below are some birding communications resources available - each is >>>> listed >>>>> with its primary purpose: >>>>> >>>>> • CT Birds will be an open discussion group as described above.  A new >>>> set >>>>> of guidelines is being developed and will be released soon.  The CT >> Birds >>>>> listserv will continue to be moderated by Chuck Imbergamo under the new >>>>> guidelines which will include the standard rules of civility and >>>> relevance. >>>>> Sign up for CT Birds here:  ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>> >>>>> • CT RBA GroupMe group is an instant message application for your >>>>> smartphone. This tool is intended for reporting truly RARE birds for >> our >>>>> state.  Examples would be vagrant birds from other regions and birds >>>>> considered rare on migration.  There is a limited list of birds which >>>>> should be reported using this tool.  You can join the CT RBA group >> here: >>>>> https://groupme.com/join_group/83300607/1yz3Vwak >>>>> >>>>> • eBird, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is widely considered to >> be >>>>> the best place to record sightings of any and all birds, rare or not. >> We >>>>> encourage all Connecticut birders to create eBird reports to contribute >>>>> valuable data to the eBird database. eBird also provides hourly or >> daily >>>>> alerts of rare birds in a given area, statewide or countywide, among >> many >>>>> other useful features. You can sign up for eBird at >>>> https://ebird.org/home >>>>> and then manage alerts for specific areas here >> https://ebird.org/alerts >>>>> >>>>> Among COA’s organizational objectives are to >>>>> • promote an interest in and an appreciation of birds; >>>>> • disseminate accurate scientific information about birds and their >>>>> habitats; and >>>>> • help facilitate understanding and cooperation between the >>>> ornithological >>>>> community and the general public. >>>>> >>>>> We intend to further these objectives in part through the existing CT >>>>> Birds listserv and we hope all Connecticut birders will participate, >> with >>>>> thanks to those that do. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Christopher Wood >>>>> COA President >>>>> Woodbury >>>>> >>>>> Chuck Imbergamo >>>>> CT Birds Moderator >>>>> Madison >>>>> >>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" >> or >>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>>> >>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" >> or >>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>> >>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>> >>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>> >>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>> >>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>> >>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>> >>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>> >>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>> >>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>> >>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >> list rules and subscription information visit: >> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >> >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >> >> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >> >> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >> list rules and subscription information visit: >> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org > > CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ > > CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/

You are not really out of luck; it just means you have to be flexible and roll with the changes. Many years ago (1993?), I was lucky to attend a presentation by Bill Gates. He talked about the future and how people would have ‘information at their fingertips’. Myself and many others’ eyes glazed over with puzzled doubt, since at the time cell phones had the ability, at best, to text by typing numbers on the keypad repeatedly to generate just one letter. But oh, have times have changed! The benefit of smartphones and new technology is that, just as Gates envisioned, we now have information available in our hand, wherever we are, across almost the entire globe. As a bit of background for our post: Several months ago, a group who run various messaging systems in CT, together with COA President Chris Wood, met to discuss the fact that there were so many apps popping up that our community was becoming fragmented. We decided that a consolidation of the groups would benefit the Connecticut birding community. As a result, at least two other instant message systems were shut down. We decided to support the two GroupMe groups, and it is strongly recommended that you join one or both of them to get the most up-to-date information about notable birds being seen in our area. Information at your fingertips, indeed! I want to clarify that at the same time, we are hoping that CT Birds becomes MORE useful rather than less. CT Birds has the opportunity to become more of a discussion forum where knowledge can be shared about trends, hotspots, more in-depth information about bird behavior and a general sharing of knowledge. I hope this helps clarify things! As Matt pointed out earlier, these apps are the wave of the future and many other listservs are being shut down. It is up to us to continue to support CT Birds with sharing of knowledge. Chuck Imbergamo CT Birds Moderator Madison > On Aug 9, 2024, at 9:39 AM, Mark Szantyr <birdinggeek@gmail.com> wrote: > > It means we are out of luck. > Mark Szantyr > Storrs, CT > > > > >> On Aug 9, 2024, at 7:13 AM, Paul Plotnick via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >> >> I'm 90 years old and don't have a so-called smartphone. This is my only >> source of CT birding news. >> What does all this mean to me and the few remaining old-time birders like >> me? >> >> Paul Plotnick >> Stamford >> >>> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 11:12 PM Matthew Bell via CTBirds < >>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>> >>> I can understand thinking it could be “classist”, but I think more overall >>> it’s generational. Connecticut is one of the few remaining states with an >>> active listserv. The rest have all died as younger people continue to join >>> the birding community and prefer apps such as WhatsApp, Discord, and >>> GroupMe. If you travel to any state and want to be in the know, you have to >>> have at least one of those three because there’s no immediate information >>> anymore on email chains. It’s all text-based. In fact, most young birders >>> laugh at listservs and don’t take them seriously, from what I’ve witnessed. >>> I know I’ve had discussions with multiple CT birders over the last couple >>> years as to how surprising it is that our listserv has survived while >>> almost every other has died. >>> >>> For example: 50 birding listserv emails have been sent across the whole >>> USA today, with 12 of them coming from CT, the 3rd smallest state. It’s an >>> example of how much things have changed. >>> >>> It’s also not just listservs that have taken a hit. For years, Facebook >>> has been the bridge between listservs and texting. But even now, younger >>> people are shunning Facebook and many rare birds don’t even make it to >>> statewide RBA groups or nationwide ones for hours, if not days, when >>> previously it would be within seconds of an initial report coming through. >>> It’s just a sign of the continual changing times. >>> >>> A reminder that you don’t need a smartphone though, to access any of the >>> apps. GroupMe has a web portal (https://web.groupme.com/signin) and the >>> other ones I mentioned, WhatsApp and Discord, both have desktop apps for >>> both PC and Mac computers. If you do have the GroupMe app, it’s also worth >>> noting that MA, RI, NJ, ME, and NH are all also on GroupMe, so if you want >>> links to those groups as well just ask and someone (including myself) can >>> get you in the invite link. And of course, crossposting of mega rarities >>> will continue. That’s something that definitely can't be forgotten. >>> >>> -Matt Bell >>> Vernon >>> >>>> On Aug 8, 2024, at 21:58, Dana Campbell via CTBirds < >>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>> >>>> Thanks, Chuck. You're the best. I am afraid that this segmentation >>> forcing >>>> people onto phone apps is, in my opinion, a classist move. Not everyone >>> in >>>> my acquaintance can afford new phones, internet service, and new apps. I >>>> fear we are shutting some folks out, which makes me very sad. I was just >>>> saying to Andrew that I had been trying to get a young birder plugged in >>> to >>>> the birding community, but that she lives on a shoestring and simply >>> cannot >>>> afford high tech. >>>> I am so grateful for your cross posting! Perhaps COA needs to move beyond >>>> the rarified Ffld County air? (speaking as a person whose family lived >>> for >>>> decades there) I guess this move simply institutionalizes what has been >>>> happening among some. >>>> Sigh. >>>> Dana >>>> >>>> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024, 9:33 PM imbercj--- via CTBirds < >>>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hi Andrew and Deirdra - >>>>> >>>>> I'm glad you asked these questions and I am replying to all since others >>>>> are likely wondering the same thing. >>>>> >>>>> There's nothing wrong with continuing to post rarities on CT Birds! I >>>>> always try to cross-post to this listserv when I see rarity reports on >>> the >>>>> GroupMe or other places like Facebook. I will continue to do so, and I >>>>> would encourage everyone on CT Birds to do the same. >>>>> >>>>> If you know of a rare bird, it couldn't hurt to let the CT Birds >>> community >>>>> know! >>>>> >>>>> I hope this clears things up. >>>>> >>>>> Chuck Imbergamo >>>>> CT Birds Moderator >>>>> Madison >>>>> >>>>> ________________________________ >>>>> From: Deirdra Wallin via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> >>>>> Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2024 6:10 PM >>>>> To: Andrew Block <ablock22168@yahoo.com> >>>>> Cc: CT Birds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org>; imbercj@comcast.net < >>>>> imbercj@comcast.net> >>>>> Subject: [CT Birds] Re: Important message >>>>> >>>>> 1. I would appreciate still getting reports here too, though I did sign >>> up >>>>> for the group today via Aiden’s link. >>>>> 2. Watched Joes documentary today and enjoyed it-thank you for sharing >>> that >>>>> with us and all of the time and work you put into it. >>>>> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U2XQeEaQlgQ >>>>> 3. I would definitely also appreciate discussion and sharing of other >>>>> information on this list serve such as migration, and people’s favorite >>>>> birding spots and such. It’s nice to read people’s personal perspectives >>>>> and experiences. It also helps us to be on the look out for different >>> birds >>>>> that might be passing through. >>>>> All in all, I do appreciate this list serv! >>>>> Sincerely, >>>>> Deirdra Wallin >>>>> Brookfield >>>>> >>>>> On Thu, Aug 8, 2024 at 5:44 PM Andrew Block via CTBirds < >>>>> ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I hope people still do post rarities here since for some this and the >>> FB >>>>>> group is the only place they get reports. I know I'm in the minority, >>>>> but >>>>>> not everyone is interested in using those phone apps. If you could use >>>>>> them on a computer then maybe I would use them. These lists were a >>>>>> wonderful place to get rarity reports and it's a shame people have >>> moved >>>>>> away from them in most states. I loved getting a rarity report and >>> will >>>>>> miss them. A shame. Sad. I see so many less rarities now:-( I will >>>>>> probably leave the list if rarities are not posted here anymore. >>>>>> Andrew >>>>>> Andrew BlockConsulting Naturalist >>>>>> Yonkers, New York www.flickr.com/photos/conuropsis/albums< >>>>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/conuropsis/albums> >>>>>> >>>>>> On Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 11:03:41 AM EDT, imbercj--- via >>>>> CTBirds >>>>>> <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> A message from the COA President and the CT Birds Moderator: >>>>>> >>>>>> Communications Resources for Birders in Connecticut >>>>>> >>>>>> The CT Birds listserv began as a tool to report rarities and notable >>>>> birds >>>>>> some 20 years ago, using the email technology that was new at the time. >>>>> It >>>>>> replaced a system where birders could report rarities (or call in to >>> find >>>>>> out about them) using the telephone. Today, there are instant message >>>>>> technologies to get alerts out quickly and these have the added >>> benefits >>>>> of >>>>>> location and photo sharing. >>>>>> >>>>>> Unfortunately, a proliferation of these new technologies led to some >>>>>> fragmentation and confusion in our Connecticut birding community, and >>> at >>>>>> the same time reports of notable birds on CT Birds have declined as >>> many >>>>> of >>>>>> the listers and chasers have adopted the new instant message tools. >>>>>> >>>>>> Recognizing this reality, and since birding is about more than chasing >>>>>> rarities, we would like CT Birds to become more than an additional >>> alert >>>>>> resource. We hope that future posts on CT Birds will emphasize >>> migration >>>>>> trends and patterns, discussion of birds and birding issues, notify >>>>> birders >>>>>> of events and activities, raise questions and seek assistance, and >>>>>> generally serve as a birding community discussion forum for birders at >>>>> all >>>>>> levels of expertise. We hope and expect that Connecticut’s more >>>>>> experienced and active birders will continue to contribute discoveries, >>>>>> expertise, and assistance to the birding community via CT Birds. >>>>>> >>>>>> Below are some birding communications resources available - each is >>>>> listed >>>>>> with its primary purpose: >>>>>> >>>>>> • CT Birds will be an open discussion group as described above. A new >>>>> set >>>>>> of guidelines is being developed and will be released soon. The CT >>> Birds >>>>>> listserv will continue to be moderated by Chuck Imbergamo under the new >>>>>> guidelines which will include the standard rules of civility and >>>>> relevance. >>>>>> Sign up for CT Birds here: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>>> >>>>>> • CT RBA GroupMe group is an instant message application for your >>>>>> smartphone. This tool is intended for reporting truly RARE birds for >>> our >>>>>> state. Examples would be vagrant birds from other regions and birds >>>>>> considered rare on migration. There is a limited list of birds which >>>>>> should be reported using this tool. You can join the CT RBA group >>> here: >>>>>> https://groupme.com/join_group/83300607/1yz3Vwak >>>>>> >>>>>> • eBird, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is widely considered to >>> be >>>>>> the best place to record sightings of any and all birds, rare or not. >>> We >>>>>> encourage all Connecticut birders to create eBird reports to contribute >>>>>> valuable data to the eBird database. eBird also provides hourly or >>> daily >>>>>> alerts of rare birds in a given area, statewide or countywide, among >>> many >>>>>> other useful features. You can sign up for eBird at >>>>> https://ebird.org/home >>>>>> and then manage alerts for specific areas here >>> https://ebird.org/alerts >>>>>> >>>>>> Among COA’s organizational objectives are to >>>>>> • promote an interest in and an appreciation of birds; >>>>>> • disseminate accurate scientific information about birds and their >>>>>> habitats; and >>>>>> • help facilitate understanding and cooperation between the >>>>> ornithological >>>>>> community and the general public. >>>>>> >>>>>> We intend to further these objectives in part through the existing CT >>>>>> Birds listserv and we hope all Connecticut birders will participate, >>> with >>>>>> thanks to those that do. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Christopher Wood >>>>>> COA President >>>>>> Woodbury >>>>>> >>>>>> Chuck Imbergamo >>>>>> CT Birds Moderator >>>>>> Madison >>>>>> >>>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" >>> or >>>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>>> >>>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>>> >>>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>>>> >>>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" >>> or >>>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>>> >>>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>>> >>>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>>> >>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>>> >>>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>>>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>>>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>>> >>>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>>>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>>>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>>> >>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>>> >>>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>>> >>>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >>> >>> >>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or >>> "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >>> >>> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing >>> birders together statewide. Please support COA: >>> https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >>> >>> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For >>> list rules and subscription information visit: >>> https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >> >> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >> >> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/