Dear colleagues,

A few days ago I wandered around the net looking for some web-lists
and sites to spread the word about the ERSG group to. I'm tremendously
encouraged that we have attracted 13 new members (and counting) over
the last week or so.

Welcome to all of you.

I now want to put my stern Moderator's hat on - what I would like all
of our new and existing members to do contribute at least a short note
telling the rest of us what you do, where and how you do it, how the
ERSG might help with your work (or vice versa) and the basis of your
particular interest in ethnoornithology.

In the recent past we have had some very revealing and informative
discussions that I am sure have provided new and interesting
information to those working in the many diverse areas of this most
fascinating area of study & research.

Ethnoornithology is, by its very nature, a collaborative endeavour at
all levels - with indigenous co-workers, with workers from other
disciplines and between fellow ethnoornithologists.

Ethnoornithology is a young, emergent and exciting discipline where
many practitioners are still finding their way through the maze of
intellectual, practical and financial challenges. I think that one of
the most important jobs that the ERSG can do is provide links between
established and new workers and to encourage the sharing and
discussion of ideas and information.

So, enough stern words from me!

What I'd really like to see would be a brief note from all of you
telling the rest of us what you do, where you do it and how and
what you'd like to do next.

You might also want to consider some of the following suggestions and
ideas:

- if you have partial or unpublished data or papers please consider
posting them to the ERSG site under the "Files" link;

- if you have a query about current research - whether seeking answers
to questions, collaboration with other researchers and workers in your
part of the world or area of interest - consider posting that question
as a "Message";

- if you have photographs of your work or an interesting and relevant
subject please feel free to post it under the "Photos" link;

- if you have news about a meeting, conference, project or proposal
please share it with your fellow members; and

- please also forward a link to the ERSG site to any friends or
colleagues working in or interested in people and birds.

I look forward to seeing your posts on the ERSG site soon. If you have
any queries or problems that I can help with please send me a note and
I'll do my best!

Robert Gosford
ERSG Moderator