The Bird Monitoring Data Registry (BMDR) is an archive of descriptive metadata associated with all the AKN datasets.  As an AKN data provider, it is essential that the BMDR is completed for each contributed dataset, and that it fully describes each dataset.  As an analyst, it is critical that you download the BMDR associated with each dataset being used in the analysis.  Without it, comparing datasets becomes impossible.

Most databases use numeric values to store information.  These values often correspond with methodologies, or or values.  For example, the methodology used to perform a point count might vary in three ways, such that the database has a descriptor of 1-3 for each point count.  Without knowing what those values stand for (e.g., 1 = unlimited distance, 2 = 100 m radius, 3 = 50 m radius) accurate analysis is impossible.  It is critical that the BMDR be consulted before performing analysis on any dataset.

Bird monitoring data resources represent arguably the most comprehensive time-series environmental data in existence. These data, gathered by hundreds of independent projects, have collected an estimated 60 million records over the past 100 years. But knowing that these projects exist(ed) and accessing their data is difficult if not impossible. Efforts are underway to identify and catalog these monitoring projects and with support from the National Biological Information Infrastructure the AKN will organize these findings into existing biodiversity standards. The AKN will compile information about these monitoring projects using metadata descriptions specified by the Biological Data Profile of the FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata.

In order for the AKN to have the most complete description of your project we ask all AKN data contributors to fill out the following questionnaire. Click on the link (below) to download the questionnaire.

BMDR Questionnaire

Also available for your review is a completed sample BMDR questionnaire. Use this to help fill out your form, and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.

The results of this effort will be made available through the AKN website, as well as other biodiversity information resources, such as NBII’s metadata clearinghouse.