Post by Gord on Oct 4, 2005 14:55:34 GMT -8
Welcome to Fraser Valley Birding, British Columbia! This forum is open to contribution from those with any level of birding experience or interest. Topics typically range from bird watching to attracting birds to one’s yard. To add a little flavor, an area is dedicated to ‘off-topic’ items as well. The group's focus is the birds and natural history of the Lower Mainland with a focal point being the Fraser Valley. Still, posts from other areas and locations are most certainly encouraged and are most welcome.
Posting information on birding trips (ie. hikes) and other events of potential interest is very acceptable.
No question is too 'stupid' nor is any bird species too boring or common to talk about! Diversity of topics is what makes the forum more interesting and enjoyable.
While the forum may possibly seem a little daunting for those not familiar with them, it is really straight forward and not much different than sending an email. Feel free to dive right in. Any mistakes you make can be corrected very quickly either by deleting or modifying your message. No one will have time to laugh (not that we would!) because you have utmost control over what goes ‘live’. You also can ask for help, tips and suggestions at any time. In other words, we hope you feel very comfortable participating, should you be very familiar or absolutely new to internet forums.
‘Posting Guidelines’ outlines the forums rules to ensure smooth operation and consideration for all members. ‘Helpful Tips’, near the bottom of this message, will help you navigate and use the forum.
Posting Guidelines:
1. Be polite and have fun at all times. Intelligent and friendly discussion of all topics is encouraged, but respect and courtesy must always be practiced; regardless of the topic of discussion. Keep in mind that it is often difficult to determine the tone of a written message and thus it could be taken in a manner unintended. The 'smilies' can be very useful to ensure that what you mean is what is understood.
2. Polite language is very important to respect everyone and to take into consideration our younger members.
3. Part of what is amazing about birds is that a rare species can pop up anywhere. While excessive questioning or discouraging comments are not permitted (we’re all learning!) members should be receptive to constructive feedback on their sightings. Part of Fraser Valley Birding’s efforts are to keep track of bird populations and movements as accurately as possible. Thus, some sightings, especially of rare or uncommon species, need to be documented as well as possible to ensure consistency.
4. One account per individual please. Posting as different people is not permitted.
5. Members are encouraged to sign their name and current town on each message posted to this forum. Or, you can create a signature to do it automatically with each post you make (this is done through modifying your profile). However, if you feel more comfortable not doing this at this time, that is alright too.
6. Posting of the exact location of bird species where they could be threatened should be taken with care. This is true for all species but is especially true for nesting, roosting and feeding sites of sensitive species such as owls.
7. Persons reporting interesting birds on private property should not feel obligated to disclose addresses or otherwise feel uncomfortable with people possibly driving by to have a look for the bird. Opportunities for members to also have viewing opportunities is entirely up to each individual. On the other hand, the site is just as excited to simply hear about your sightings as well, if that is more suitable for you.
8. Unsolicited requests to visit a private property to see a bird, through this forum or by other means, is not permitted. Unless the property owner extends an invitation, it will be assumed that viewing opportunities are not available.
9. The encouragement of ethical birding methods is most important. Activities such as trespassing on private property, bird harassment (e.g. flushing/scaring birds trying to get closer for photographs, over-use of playing recorded bird songs in the field), environmental damage (e.g. walking off-trail for a better look), stressing birds at their nests (e.g. removing vegetation, standing too close) and inconsideration for others (e.g. blocking traffic while birding) will not be promoted.
10. Birding reports can be as detailed as you wish but 'where' and 'when' should always be mentioned (unless 'Guideline #6' is applicable) in the report. A good subject line could look like the following: "Sardis Pond birding on October 15". Details of time of day, where you went, what you saw and anything else you wish can be included in the message.
11. Images and messages on this site remain the property of the poster and should not be copied or shared without that person's permission. Links to the message or image is acceptable.
12. The site administrator reserves the right, but hopes to never have to, to modify or delete posts that contravene this site's guidelines. Repeat offenders will be banned from the site at the administrator's discretion after all other options have been explored.
13. Opinions expressed by individuals on this forum are not necessarily those of the sponsors or administrative staff.
14. Questions and comments about the site and guidelines can always be directed to this site's friendly administrator or posted in the General Board.
15. Have fun!!!
Some helpful tips.
Posting Photos:
While this forum does not have a photo gallery feature, you can easily share images by first uploading your image to www.flickr.com and then post the image's URL within your post you make here in the forum.
Private Messages:
Sharing telephone numbers, email addresses, private queries/comments is best left for Private Messages. To send a private message, first click on the person's name. Send Private Message option is found at the top of that person's details (Member Bio). You will be alerted when you have a private message ("Hey, x, you have 1 message...") found just below the title banner at the top of this site. Guidelines for sending private messages remain the same as what is expected in the main site.
New Messages:
If you’ve been away for a couple days, or if the forum has been particularly busy, it can be easy to overlook new messages. To catch up on these messages, locate and click on ‘View the 40 most recent posts of this forum’ from the forum’s homepage. To see a post in more detail from this option, simply click on the topic name (in blue) at the top of each message. This will take you to that entire thread. Or, you can simply manually scan each board for new messages. Newest messages are found at the top of each board and descend from newest to oldest.
Thanks for joining and for taking the time to read this message. I hope you have fun enjoying and discussing birds and birdwatching in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere with fellow bird enthusiasts.
Gord
Administrator for Fraser Valley Birding
Posting information on birding trips (ie. hikes) and other events of potential interest is very acceptable.
No question is too 'stupid' nor is any bird species too boring or common to talk about! Diversity of topics is what makes the forum more interesting and enjoyable.
While the forum may possibly seem a little daunting for those not familiar with them, it is really straight forward and not much different than sending an email. Feel free to dive right in. Any mistakes you make can be corrected very quickly either by deleting or modifying your message. No one will have time to laugh (not that we would!) because you have utmost control over what goes ‘live’. You also can ask for help, tips and suggestions at any time. In other words, we hope you feel very comfortable participating, should you be very familiar or absolutely new to internet forums.
‘Posting Guidelines’ outlines the forums rules to ensure smooth operation and consideration for all members. ‘Helpful Tips’, near the bottom of this message, will help you navigate and use the forum.
Posting Guidelines:
1. Be polite and have fun at all times. Intelligent and friendly discussion of all topics is encouraged, but respect and courtesy must always be practiced; regardless of the topic of discussion. Keep in mind that it is often difficult to determine the tone of a written message and thus it could be taken in a manner unintended. The 'smilies' can be very useful to ensure that what you mean is what is understood.
2. Polite language is very important to respect everyone and to take into consideration our younger members.
3. Part of what is amazing about birds is that a rare species can pop up anywhere. While excessive questioning or discouraging comments are not permitted (we’re all learning!) members should be receptive to constructive feedback on their sightings. Part of Fraser Valley Birding’s efforts are to keep track of bird populations and movements as accurately as possible. Thus, some sightings, especially of rare or uncommon species, need to be documented as well as possible to ensure consistency.
4. One account per individual please. Posting as different people is not permitted.
5. Members are encouraged to sign their name and current town on each message posted to this forum. Or, you can create a signature to do it automatically with each post you make (this is done through modifying your profile). However, if you feel more comfortable not doing this at this time, that is alright too.
6. Posting of the exact location of bird species where they could be threatened should be taken with care. This is true for all species but is especially true for nesting, roosting and feeding sites of sensitive species such as owls.
7. Persons reporting interesting birds on private property should not feel obligated to disclose addresses or otherwise feel uncomfortable with people possibly driving by to have a look for the bird. Opportunities for members to also have viewing opportunities is entirely up to each individual. On the other hand, the site is just as excited to simply hear about your sightings as well, if that is more suitable for you.
8. Unsolicited requests to visit a private property to see a bird, through this forum or by other means, is not permitted. Unless the property owner extends an invitation, it will be assumed that viewing opportunities are not available.
9. The encouragement of ethical birding methods is most important. Activities such as trespassing on private property, bird harassment (e.g. flushing/scaring birds trying to get closer for photographs, over-use of playing recorded bird songs in the field), environmental damage (e.g. walking off-trail for a better look), stressing birds at their nests (e.g. removing vegetation, standing too close) and inconsideration for others (e.g. blocking traffic while birding) will not be promoted.
10. Birding reports can be as detailed as you wish but 'where' and 'when' should always be mentioned (unless 'Guideline #6' is applicable) in the report. A good subject line could look like the following: "Sardis Pond birding on October 15". Details of time of day, where you went, what you saw and anything else you wish can be included in the message.
11. Images and messages on this site remain the property of the poster and should not be copied or shared without that person's permission. Links to the message or image is acceptable.
12. The site administrator reserves the right, but hopes to never have to, to modify or delete posts that contravene this site's guidelines. Repeat offenders will be banned from the site at the administrator's discretion after all other options have been explored.
13. Opinions expressed by individuals on this forum are not necessarily those of the sponsors or administrative staff.
14. Questions and comments about the site and guidelines can always be directed to this site's friendly administrator or posted in the General Board.
15. Have fun!!!
Some helpful tips.
Posting Photos:
While this forum does not have a photo gallery feature, you can easily share images by first uploading your image to www.flickr.com and then post the image's URL within your post you make here in the forum.
Private Messages:
Sharing telephone numbers, email addresses, private queries/comments is best left for Private Messages. To send a private message, first click on the person's name. Send Private Message option is found at the top of that person's details (Member Bio). You will be alerted when you have a private message ("Hey, x, you have 1 message...") found just below the title banner at the top of this site. Guidelines for sending private messages remain the same as what is expected in the main site.
New Messages:
If you’ve been away for a couple days, or if the forum has been particularly busy, it can be easy to overlook new messages. To catch up on these messages, locate and click on ‘View the 40 most recent posts of this forum’ from the forum’s homepage. To see a post in more detail from this option, simply click on the topic name (in blue) at the top of each message. This will take you to that entire thread. Or, you can simply manually scan each board for new messages. Newest messages are found at the top of each board and descend from newest to oldest.
Thanks for joining and for taking the time to read this message. I hope you have fun enjoying and discussing birds and birdwatching in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere with fellow bird enthusiasts.
Gord
Administrator for Fraser Valley Birding