Newsletter no. 1 April 2000Page 2Table 1: League table of the level of macro-moth recording since1980 in the ten-kilometre squares affecting Hertfordshire Vice-county
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FUTURE RECORDING AND SENDING IN RECORDSFor the micros, where there are fewer interested observers, the primary aim may perhaps be to try and get at least one modern record of each species currently represented on the list by a record that is more than ten years old. However, for the larger moths, I prefer to regard all records as "past" and to start again at 1st January 2000. I welcome all records for year 2000 onwards, from annual garden lists to casual observations of a single species whilst out with the dog. I also need any past records that have not already reached me - no matter how old they are. Please try to use the forms provided and ask for another if you haven't got one/have lost it/used it before you made copies/etc. There are currently three layouts available and you can use any of these. One form lists species alphabetically by English name, a second lists them in Log Book order by Latin name and the third is in Log Book order by English name. Other formats can be created on request. There may be small differences between the species on each form, because they were each produced on different dates by dumping names in the database to a word processor file. However, the missing species on some forms will be the rarer ones or the scarce migrants and all the forms list the most common species. Please simply write in the names of any species you encounter that are not on the form. The idea is that you photocopy as many blank forms as you wish and then fill in the copies. These should all be sent direct to me for validation and entry onto the database.If you already generate lists in some sort of sequence then sending these is OK and the form does not need to be used. The idea of the form is to put the records into some sort of order to make computer entry easy. It is excessively time-consuming for me to enter names presented in a totally random manner and I do ask those who have, in the past, sent lists arranged by date of capture, to enter their species on one of the forms as a summary and send this as well as the dated information.
LEVEL OF INFORMATION NEEDEDGarden lists I need a complete list of species for the year (with a new list each year, please) giving dates and numbers for those species indicated on the recording form. If, however, you are gathering numerical data, please do send this to me with the recording form and after the validation process and entry onto the county database this will be passed on to John Murray who is currently gathering information on population trends.Trips out A separate list is needed for each trip please. An indication of numbers of each species would be useful, but is not essential unless it is for a species for which numbers are specifically requested on the form. Casual records If these are sent on the recording forms it does make entry easier, but it is, nevertheless, quite OK to send odd records of individual species written in a letter or note.
THE VALIDATION PROCESSIt is essential that, no matter how much fun we have whilst out, absolute scientific accuracy must be applied to records entering the database. Almost everyone gets a letter from me at some stage - it really is no big deal. Just answer the queries as accurately and quickly as you can.
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