Martha's Vineyard Atlas of Life: Suggested Best Practices for Observers
Responsible study and appreciation of nature means trying to produce high-quality data while minimizing the negative impacts on wildlife that your presence in the field can cause. “Best Practices for MVAL Participants” presents our thoughts on how to achieve these goals.
Best Practices for Feeding Wild Birds (Ornithological Council Fact Sheet)
Feeding wild birds is a popular hobby and affords excellent opportunities to observe birds and bird behavior at close range. But this activity, which alters natural bird behavior and exposes birds to unnatural conditions, can also have risks. This detailed fact sheet, from the Ornithological Council, outlines measures you should take to ensure that your bird-feeding activities are beneficial and do not expose birds to avoidable risks.
Species Listed Under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA)
Species protected under MESA require and are legally entitled to special protection. They should not be damaged, disturbed, or collected. Familiarize yourself with what species are listed under this act.
Ethical Study Methods for Wild Plants
Prepared by botanist Elizabeth Farnsworth for the New England Wildflower Society, this 2005 guide is essential reading for anyone interested in serious research on plants.
Using Sound Recording in iNaturalist
The microphone in your smartphone, combined with a sound recording app, can be a powerful tool for documenting observations in iNaturalist. Bird songs, the calls of mammals, and the stridulation of insects are among the types of sounds that can be used to support observations of wildlife that you are unable to photograph.