| Questions
to ask about . . . |
Resources |
Observers
and methods
- Is
the observer experienced or is he or she a novice?
- How
much does the observer know about the species?
- Does
he or she know how to identify it?
- Did
the observer use the right standards (protocol)?
- Which
comments from observers or experts make me think this is
an accurate (or inaccurate report)?
- Are
there more observers in some areas than others? How could
that affect the data/maps?
- What
other questions do I have for the observer?
|
Contacting
observers Click on “I” on any species map, then
click on a symbol. In the Field notes, you’ll find an e-mail
link.
|
The
animal’s behavior and physical traits
- Is
the reported behavior typical? If not, how does it vary?
- Can
I infer from the animal’s appearance or behavior that
it is 1) a migrant or 2) a resident in the area? What evidence
can I find in the report or experts’ comments?
- How
many miles per day does the species usually travel? What
factors could explain the difference (e.g., wind)?
|
FAQs
News
Updates
|
The
current migration
- How
many miles away was the nearest individual (group) seen this
season? What was its latitude?
- What
else do the maps “tell” me about migration patterns?
|
Current
migration maps |
Past
migrations
- Has
this species ever been spotted so far ____ (north, west,
inland) this early in the year?
|
Past
Seasons: Maps and Sightings |
Weather
and climate
- Could
a change in weather or longer-term climate explain the unusual
sighting? How?
- How
did this year’s weather patterns compare to last year’s?
To previous years’ patterns?
|
*
Minimum temperatures
* Departure
from normal temperatures
* Winds
* Other weather links
|
Habitat
- Are
the species’ food sources – such as milkweed
plants and nectar – available where it was spotted?
- Are
plants or insects along the migration trail ahead of or behind
schedule?
- Could
human actions affect the habitat and migration (e.g., development
or deforestation)? How?
|
* See
above
* Plant hardiness zones |
