Charles Harper
Régisseur
I have been wondering in what simple ways we can compare our worldwide patches and perhaps learn something more about the birds we see. I have begun a collection of our patch maps and birdlists, and have just set out to record each patch's size and proportions of ground cover, because I suppose that, beyond the geographical location, these would be the most basic variables determining what birds a patch supports.
I wonder if I could get some opinions on how minimal yet meaningful a universal key I could devise for patch surface cover. This is not a scientific study, so I don't want to get into classifications like 'cool-temperate broad-leaved deciduous Quercus/Fagus community', which are too region-specific anyway-- I'm looking for a small set of terms that are as universally applicable as possible, yet reasonably cover the variety in our patches. Could I get away with something like:
(1) forest, (2) parkland/grassland/cultivated, (3) shubbery/hedge/bush, (4) marsh/swamp/bog land, (5) fresh water, (6) salt water, and (7) urban/suburban/paved?
Any bright ideas?
I wonder if I could get some opinions on how minimal yet meaningful a universal key I could devise for patch surface cover. This is not a scientific study, so I don't want to get into classifications like 'cool-temperate broad-leaved deciduous Quercus/Fagus community', which are too region-specific anyway-- I'm looking for a small set of terms that are as universally applicable as possible, yet reasonably cover the variety in our patches. Could I get away with something like:
(1) forest, (2) parkland/grassland/cultivated, (3) shubbery/hedge/bush, (4) marsh/swamp/bog land, (5) fresh water, (6) salt water, and (7) urban/suburban/paved?
Any bright ideas?