NatureSeen

NatureSeen has few rules. There are no costs for submitting observations. We want only your personal observations (not what you've heard that that someone saw). These must be briefly described single events, conditions, or status. Examples include predation, breeding, ovipositing, feeding, rock or mud flows (and likely cause), disease occurrence, dispersion, denning, altruism, parenting, unusual growth form, and simple occurrence at a point.

Don't describe sounds but if you know a distinctive sound (like that of a screech owl) then we'll take an observation like "I heard a screech owl." We'll accept observations about odors with very distinctive comparators. However, we prefer visual observations.

We'll include most submissions but reject profanity or clear absurdity...our decision, so do not bother to make such entries. This is not a federal or state publication so there are no free-speech rights involved. Seek other outlets for materials not directly related to and that go on within outdoor places, typically wildlands and forests, deserts, lakes and streams, and park-like entities.

Include time, date, and location. Use GPS or be as specific about the location as possible, using Lat-Long coordinates where possible. Use scientific names if they are known. Comment on instruments used if relevant (for example, 6 x 30 binoculars). Add key words that may help a person to hit your observation when doing a search. For example, add "young" after observations on kits or cubs. You need to give your name, and we hope you will add the names of others who made the observation with you.

We will change with experience. For example, we'll not include your daily list of birds seen, easily claimed as an important observation. We will include the number of birds seen and unusual species for the day. (We will, however make a website for you and others with a modest contract price to include such daily lists and will provide a link to your page that lists the birds (or other nature components.))

We welcome your suggestions.