What is Whatcom Birds?
Whatcom Birds is a listserv that provides a place for people with an interest in local birds to inform each other of bird sightings and to discuss issues relevant to local birds. The listserv’s goal is to advance our understanding of local birds and birds in general and to increase our appreciation of local birds. With over 300 subscribers and almost 20 years of service, Whatcom Birds has been a highly effective tool for educating us all about NW Washington birds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Do I Subscribe to the Listserv?
Go to https://groups.google.com/a/northcascadesaudubon.org/forum/#!forum/whatcom-birds and click “Join group to post”
How Do I Unsubscribe?
Go to the website for the group listed above and click the “My settings” button in the upper right and select “Leave this group”. You can rejoin at any time.
Do I Need A Google Account to Join the Listserv?
To post you need a Google Account. You can make a Google Account using your existing email (non-Google). To read Whatcom Birds, no Google Account is necessary, simply browse the topics from the website. For more information see this help article: https://support.google.com/groups/answer/1067205?hl=en
Who is hosting Whatcom Birds?
North Cascades Audubon Society hosts Whatcom Birds through their domain and website.
Who Moderates the Listserv?
John Bower (Professor at WWU) will moderate the listserv. Please feel free to contact him with issues and concerns. His email is jbower@wwu.edu
Do I Have to Join To See Postings?
No, Whatcom Birds is a public group and messages can be read without joining. In order to post you must join however.
How do I Post to the Listserv?
There are two ways to post. One, you go to the group website listed above and then click “New Topic.” Second, you can send an email to whatcom-birds@northcascadesaudubon.org.
How Do I Read Whatcom Birds?
There are two ways to read Whatcom Birds. One, you can go to the group website listed above and browse. Second, when you join you can receive a digest via email. Preferences can be set by you and changed at any time to receive Every Message, Daily, or Weekly summaries.
What Types of Postings are Appropriate for Whatcom Birds?
Postings that report bird sightings, share birding experiences, and discuss issues relevant to birds are the most appropriate types of postings.
What Types of Postings are Not Appropriate for Whatcom Birds?
List subscribers should avoid postings that are meant for one subscriber (send them to that person’s personal email) and should limit positing that are not relevant to local birds.
What About Pictures?
Pictures that are less than 500K and contribute to the purpose of the listserv are welcomed, but please ask yourself if the picture adds something to our knowledge about local birds before you send it. Avoid sending multiples of one bird unless there is a good reason for sending multiples. Ask yourself whether you think most of the over 300 subscribers to the listserv will be interested in seeing your picture.