KOS – Sightings database

We have had some technical and security issues with the sightings database. After we became aware of a weakness in the database’s security that meant that users’ personal data was potentially vulnerable, we sought advice from the Information Commissioner (the regulator of GDPR) and as a result decided that the safest option was to disable access to the database.

The sightings database is a popular way for people to report their sightings to the Society. These sightings are very important to us and help build a picture of the county’s avifauna which is reported annually in the Kent Bird Report. We have already commissioned work to create a new reporting tool but this could take some time develop and put in place.

In the meantime we would urge existing users of the database to use other applications like BirdTrack or eBird to report their sightings. Records uploaded to these applications are passed on to the KOS.  We are also looking to provide a template excel spreadsheet that will allow observers to report their sightings to the Area Recorders.

We apologise for the inconvenience that this may cause observers.

Brendan Ryan (Honorary Secretary KOS)