Stanislaus Audubon WhatsApp Group 

Stanislaus Audubon WhatsApp Group 

What Is It? 

The Stanislaus Audubon WhatsApp Group electronic bird alert system is an OPT‐IN messaging list for alerting chapter members about field trips, activities and scarce and/or rare birds found within the Stanislaus and Merced Counties area. Anyone who is on the group can post instant messages. The alerts can be in text or audio form and can contain images, maps, and links. 

Who Can Join the WhatsApp List? 

​Members will need to use a smartphone to use the WhatsApp service, however these devices have now become dominant and anyone who hasn't switched to one yet, will find that are infinitely move useful than the old push button mobile phones. 

How to Join the Stanislaus Audubon WhatsApp Group 

IMPORTANT: If you already use the WhatsApp app, please make sure that you have included your name in the Settings. If you are downloading and setting up WhatsApp for the first time, be sure to include your name in the setup process.

1. For new users of WhatsApp, download and install the WhatsApp app from the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android). 

2. Follow the instructions for setting up the app; it takes only 3–4 steps. 

3. Provide your phone number to an administrator (listed below) so that they can add you to the Stanislaus Audubon WhatsApp Group list. 

• • Jim Gain - jimgain@sbcglobal.net OR

  • Cece Hurst - cecehurst15@gmail.com

Guidelines for Using the WhatsApp Service

The purpose of the Stanislaus Audubon WhatsApp Group electronic bird alert system is to help chapter members stay up-to-date with chapter activities and find birds that are uncommon or rare in our area.

• PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE FOR CHAT.

• If you want to send a personal message to someone who is using the service, please use their individual mobile number and not the group WhatsApp service. Remember, every message sends an alert to everyone!  

• Please do not post details of birds’ nests. 

• Post images of unidentified birds to request ID help as soon as possible.

• Feel free to request directions to rare birds and provide such directions.

• Please restrict reports to birds within the Stanislaus and Merced Counties area.

List Etiquette  

Always use the four W’s: What, Where, When, and Who. Your message should include species, sighting location and time (month, date, time of day), a description of the bird and/or the location (if necessary), and your name.  

• If you’re an intermediate or experienced birder, remember that there are less-experienced birders on the list. 

• Don’t use band codes, don’t over abbreviate, and don’t assume familiarity with locations or unofficial place names. The objective is to help other birders, not to present them with a time‐wasting puzzle or an intimidating challenge!  

• Share your sightings! This is a two‐way list. Enjoy reports from others, and make sure that YOU report good birds that you see. If you get an alert from outside the WhatsApp list, pass it along to the list.  

• If you find a notable bird that someone else has already reported via WhatsApp, let everyone on the list know that it is still around (even if it’s been around for days). 

• Do NOT send personal messages, jokes, memes, or chit-chat. Repeat offenders will be removed from the list.  

• If you have a question about a WhatsApp message that you receive, keep it to a minimum—or send a private message to the person who sent the original message. A phone number is associated with each message. How to Join the List Download and install the WhatsApp app from the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android). Follow the instructions for setting up the app; it takes only 3–4 steps. Provide your full name, and include your nickname if that’s what you prefer to be called. Provide your phone number to an administrator (listed below) so that they can add you to the Mearns Club WhatsApp list. 

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact one of the administrators