100,000 observations and counting!
The Backyard Species Discovery project was originally developed in response to COVID lockdowns and we thought there might be a few people interested in what’s in their backyard.
Last night we hit a massive 100,000 observations! Way more than we ever dreamed of. A huge thank you to all the citizen scientists and experts who have contributed their time and expertise to the project.
We know it's not just about the numbers and are dedicated to helping project members contribute high quality observations. We hope we’ve been able to do that through feedback to individuals as well as the fact sheets and videos available on our website.
Even though we plan to recommence on-ground Bush Blitz expeditions very soon, the overwhelming support and feedback we have received from members, and the taxonomic community that use this data, means Backyard Species Discovery will continue into 2021 and beyond. The Bush Blitz Scientific Reference Group has confirmed that taxonomists have already found the data highly valuable, so keep those great records coming!
We'd love to know what you think. Whether you're a citizen scientist or an expert, tell us what you've liked, what we could do better or what you'd like to see more of. You can comment below, send us a message via iNaturalist or email us at bushblitz@awe.gov.au.
We can't wait to see the next 100,000 observations!
Wallflower Orchid (Diuris orientis), © Geoffrey Cox
Comments
This has been such fun and I am proud to be a part of it! Thank you to everyone who's made it possible!
Well done! Glad to hear the records are useful. The data will only improve as experts in their fields become more involved. For example the Australian Land Snails thanks to Kevin Bonham (everytime I see a snail now I get excited to photograph it because I know he will eventually be along to ID it!); or the Australiasian Fishes project.
Keep up the great work and thanks :)
Also having fun. It's satisfying when experts appreciate the observations. Actually I uploaded a land snail this weekend that garnered some attention from Kevin Bomham too. Another expert worth mentioning providing positive feedback for observers is @dnicolle (eucalypts). Go team :)
Great to hear that the citizen science is still very valuable! Do continue to run the small scale competitions going forward - it is a great way to attract newer members!
Congrats on the achievement! I love seeing observations from others, and also participating in those weekly challenges! Keep up the fantastic work :)
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