Friday, June 17, 2011  What does eBird tell us about "Birder"
behavior?  Cedar Waxwing I've noticed that for every species for
which I've created animated eBird sightings maps that June and
July bird distribution appears wide-spread continentally, but
more localized.  In the past I have attributed this to the birds
having found their preferred nesting grounds and therefore not
seen by as many birders.  But now I am wondering if these
animated maps show as much about "birder" behavior as they do
about bird behavior.  The eBird Team has in the past mentioned
that birders tend to report their bird sightings less often
during the summer.  I can think of a few reasons that this
behavior pattern might be occurring:  1.  Birders get excited
about Spring and Fall migrations and therefore are out birding
more often and are more excited about reporting their sightings.
2.  By the time mid-June rolls around, birders (and their non-
birding friends and family) might be a bit burned out. 3.  It's
often hot outside and thei