New Montana Bird Distribution Web Application Topic of May NRIS Seminar
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2006
Contact: Sara Groves
(406) 444-5357
(HELENA) --- Allan Cox, Systems and Services Manager, and Susan Lenard, Zoologist, both of the Montana Natural Heritage Program, are scheduled to present, "Montana Bird Distribution" at an NRIS seminar set for Thursday, May 18, 2006. Their presentation will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the Grizzly Conference Room of the State Library at 1515 East 6th Avenue in Helena.
The Montana Natural Heritage Program is excited to profile this new Web application that provides access to information on Montana's birds. The Montana Bird Distribution database shows bird species distribution by quarter degree of latitude and longitude in a manner consistent with P.D. Skaars' Montana Bird Distribution (Lenard et al. 2003). The new map-based Web application allows birders to view species sightings across the State and enter their own precise observations in an easy-to-use Web application.
The Montana Bird Distribution database displays sighting information for bird species at a statewide level, and allows users to view the precise locations for only those sightings which they enter. This level of display provides a good overview of the observations and occurrence locations while protecting the sensitive nature of many of the species.
Lenard will provide an overview of the Montana Bird Distribution database and its history. She will also demonstrate how birders can use the new database to record their own species sightings. Cox will demonstrate the Web application.
This seminar is free; no registration is necessary. For more information, call (406) 444-5357. Interested individuals are also encouraged to visit the NRIS Web site at http://nris.mt.gov.
NRIS was established in 1985 by the Legislature. A division of the State Library, NRIS acts as a clearinghouse for natural resource information.
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