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Re: GBBC and Statistics



Thank You!!

Ted Zoller
Raleigh
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Hewitt" <dave_hewitt@ncsu.edu>
To: <carolinabirds@duke.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 5:05 PM
Subject: GBBC and Statistics


> Nathan et al.-
>   A friend just alerted me of this list a few days ago. I have
> thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts and learning of the true diversity
> of birds we have in the NC/SC area. I am a relative neophyte when it
> comes to birding. I have only had a good field guide and a set of optics
> for a year or so, though i am getting hooked fast. 
>   I actually just received my first feeder as a Valentine's gift, and
> contributed my first count to the GBBC. It felt really rewarding and i
> was glad to be able to contribute, even if most of the 13 species we saw
> were common birds for the area.
>   I am finishing my Master's in Fisheries and Wildlife right now and am
> getting a minor in statistics. I have always had a fondness for
> statistics (somehow!?) and your points about the GBBC are well made.
> But, unfortunately for you, most everyone already knows what you're
> saying - get off the soap box! You obviously arent a field biologist or
> you would understand the struggles we have with data and the sacrifices
> we make when using statistics to describe data such as that recorded by
> the GBBC. Sure, there are lots of assumptions violated and we get into
> all sorts of trouble with the statisticians, but the information is
> still valuable. And, as Charlotte mentioned, the main point is to get
> people involved and interested (like myself), which is working. If
> people publish on the data, so be it... you can get ticked off or "red
> in the face," but that's silly and childish.  
>   Basically, I dont think you picked the right forum for your banter,
> and i am rather certain you arent gaining anyone's respect or
> admiration. I am pretty sure myself and others would much rather read
> posts about actual birds.
> 
> Dave Hewitt
> Raleigh, NC