How to manage data
Carefully record, store and share data.
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Sampling protocol used.
Clearly document the protocol used for selecting your study sites and recording the bird count data. Ensure this information is stored with the field data.
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Geographic information.
Double-check that the geo-references for your sampling units and study sites are correct. Develop protocols for dealing with missing data in a consistent way.
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Contextual information.
Carefully document when data were collected, by whom and with what methods. Ensure this information, or meta-data, is stored with the associated bird count data.
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Bird names.
Use the established protocols for naming species and double-check that your spelling is correct.
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Accessible data.
Make sure people are aware of where the data are stored. Establish protocols for data access and use.