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| FAQ | FAQ is under development.......... If you have a question, send it to us at the email or postal address at the bottom of this page and we will add it to the list! |
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| FAQ | FAQ is under development.......... If you have a question, send it to us at the email or postal address at the bottom of this page and we will add it to the list! |
Why is phenology important? |
| Do I have to monitor the species that are
listed?
We would really prefer that you choose
one or more of the species we have listed. We have selected species
which we think are easy to identify and have a wide geographical distribution,
but time will tell. If you are in area which is not covered by any of
the species please feel free to email us (brice@bio.mq.edu.au) and let
us know and we will send you some suggestions. Or if you already have
some observations you wish to send us please fill in the "other
species" box. However,
if you have been monitoring a favorite plant, bird or insect for many
years, we would be delighted if you were to send us your records of
first sightings or flowering. We can change the point records into graphs
and put them on the web site, for all the world to see! |
Why do I have to record the same (plant) species in the same place year after year? To
understand the influence of climate on species there is a need to record in the
same place and the same individuals where possible to include the natural variation
in flowering, fruiting, etc as well as the variation in weather. |
How long do I have to record for? That really is up to the individual BUT the longer the better! The reasons are that we need to account for the natural variation in flowering, bird arrival etc. However,
even short term observations may be of use if we have the longitude and latitude
coordinates as they may correspond to those of other observers. |
Can I just say early September? No,
we really need the exact date (e.g 03/09/2003). |
What happens to the information that I send in? Your
information will be used to build-up a picture of what is happening across Australia
- so hopefully we will pick some trends (e.g. Blackwood or Acacia melanoxylon
might usually start flowering in late July in some parts of country and not commence
until early August in others). Initially we will put all the data on the
website in table form where everyone can see it. When we have greater numbers
of records we'll try to move to graph or map formats. |
Do I have to record online? No, but we would prefer it if you could as
it would be entered directly into our database, saving us time. However, if you
can not record online please download the recording form and mail it to us (see
address at bottom of page). If you have heard about Biowatch from a friend and
don't have ready access to a computer send us a stamped self-addressed envelope
and we will send you a form. |
How do I record/store my observations for personal use? You can buy a blank note book or you
can set up your own diary electronically using a program such as Excel. If you live in the local government area of Port Stephens and Great Lakes in NSW a Nature Diary has been specifically designed for that region by Kevin McDonald. These are available through the council. The
Newcastle City Council also has a Nature Diary which can also be obtained through
that local council. |
I am not sure of the correct name of species that I am dealing with, how do I identify it? There are some plant descriptions available on this site - we are working on the others. However, in the meantime there are some really great books on flora and fauna identification. A few suggestions for identification are: Pizzey G (1980) A Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Collins, Sydney. Pizzey G and Knight F (2000) Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. HarperCollins: Pymble NSW. Slater
P, Slater P and Slater R (1986). The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds. Weldon
Publishing, Willoughby, NSW. Simpson, Ken and Nicholas Day (1999) Field
Guide to the Birds of Australia. Ringwood: Viking O'Neil. Fairley, A and Moore, P. (1989) Native Plants of the Sydney District. Kangaroo Press. If
after consulting these you are still not sure, for plants you could try the herbarium
in your state - but there might be a charge. If you live in New South Wales,
you can send the specimen of your plant to Barbara Rice. Before sending
it however, please look here for instructions on how to prepare a plant specimen
for identification. The internet can also provide some help, particularly for common insects and plants. Click here to go to a number of links which have excellent photos and descriptions.
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| I
have been monitoring some other species -- are they of any value? My grandparents
recorded the arrival of the common brown butterfly in their garden for 15 years.
Are these records of any use? Yes! Historical records in Australia appear
to be lacking. These records will help build our knowledge of past events and
therefore add to our scientific memory. Just send them (originals, photocopies
or transcribed) to the address below. Don't forget to record the latitude and
longitude. |
Addresses for email: brice@bio.mq.edu.au
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Department of Biology
Macquarie University |
Webpage Coordinator: |
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