I've seen the FAQ etal but I still can not find a simple way to create a checklist for a trip.  First I defined the trip with the location and dates.  Next I want to use the checklist entry window to enter sightings for 4 dates at the location.  If I try to filter on the locataion I get an error saying nothing has been seen at that location (although I have a number of sightings there.  Ignoring the locaiton filter I then get the checklist window to open.  When I try to get the 4 dates entered all I see is four columns with the location at the top but no date.  Assuming the dates for the column where in the order I added them I continued and checked  off my sightings.

When I try to create a checklist report for the trip I get a no data error.  Same for any other report.  Going to the edit/view screen the data shows up

All I want to create is a check list report for four days at a given location with the common bird name in the left column and a checkbox for each date in the next four columns..  It should be simple but somehow is it not.  What is the secret?

Bruce Wilson

Barrie, Ontario

Bruce,

Here's how I understand what you're looking for.

1)  In the Trips section, create the trip and define the dates (I'm not sure how you define a location for a trip, as you mentioned).  Return to main window.

2)  Click on the Add button to pull up the Sighting Entry Setup window.

3)  Click on Checklist Entry.

4)  Choose a location filter (this has to be a location that currently has a checklist in the database, such as a state or a country).  For example, if your trip was to Peru, then choose PERU as your location filter.

5)  Choose the appropriate taxonomy on the right.

6)  Choose your preferred Checklist Entry Options.

7)  At the bottom, click on the Trips option, then click Continue.

8)  In this next window is where you can set up your columns with checkboxes.

9)  Fill in the appropriate location in the Location field and your predefined trip in the Trip field.

10)  For your first column, set the appropriate date (first day of the trip, probably), then click Add.

11)  For subsequent dates, just change the date field and click Add again to create a column for each day of the trip.

12)  Click checkboxes to enter sightings.

Unfortunately, if you are at the same location every day of the trip, there doesn't seem to be a way to change the column name to make it the date instead of the location.  As long as you remember that the first column is the first date you entered and that subsequent columns are added to the right, then you should be okay.

I hope this all made sense!

Nick

I would recommend adding your problem to the wish list - a need for editing the column name in the trip checklist entry window to be the location OR the date.

Nick

Bruce,

Sorry for so many replies!  I just wanted to mention that when I created a sample trip and entered sightings following the method above, I was able to create a Trip Report with the correct data under the Reports section.

A Checklist Report just gives you a checklist of species attached to a certain location, not a list of species you've entered sightings for at that location.  That would be a Sightings, Life List, or Trip Report.

Nick

HI Bruce,

Some of the issues here are those of nomenclature or wording.

For purposes of definition, a Checklist is simply a list of birds (or things) associated with a location.

It might really help for you to read the Online Users Guide (Support :: Online Users Guide) on this web site, Quick Start Guide. It explains all of this in as short and concise a manner as possible. It really helps get things going with BD.

Now there are a few other issues above, that I will try to sort out now:

1. Location Filter
   When adding sightings (checklist or keyboard method) the location filter will simply limit the names of things you will see or can enter based on the birds found at that location. Diary comes complete with checklist data for birds down to the state level. If you enter a location that is something other than a state of country, it simply will not have location data for that unless you created it yourself using the Checklist Editor (complex topic for another discussion). So, start with your state or country in the location filter.
2. Entering sightings for 4 different dates
   If you are going to enter sightings for 4 different dates, then either use the Keyboard method or use the Checklist method, but enter all sightings for one date, then clear the entry window and move onto the next date, and so on. Use the checklist entry style for this. 
   Conversely, you can use the trips entry style, and then enter a location and date for each of your separate dates. This is probably what you intended to do. If the location is the same and all that changes is the date, then yes the columns are added in the order you added them.
3. Getting the Report you want
   You cannot get the report that you are asking for in the format you asking for it in. Sorry. The Checklist TAB of the Report window is for creating Checklists to take out into the field with you. You can get a Sightings report of your trip broken down by date, but grouping your report on Date. You can do the same with the TRIP report. But you cannot get it with checkboxes etc as formatting.

Let me know if I can assist further. And much thanks to Nick for pitching in on this one.

Jeff