dejaym's Journal

I have waded in recently. It is not cold here. In fact, I have found some quite warm water by offering opinions, never very safe in a scientific community.
I have spent a share of recent time with Marine Organisms. I like 'thoroughly' observing an organism, offering some of what I learn in the process, usually in the form of descriptive texts or annotated photos, perhaps even external links. This inevitably takes more time than the more common alternative, I will never be a prolific Observer here.
I believe that if I offer an illustrated organism with a fairly certain ID, I ought to wade through some, if not all, of the Other Observations, particularly those not at Research Grade.
I believe others should do this too, specially if they are convinced that their own ID is correct. This is not always an easy, or safe, prospect, as there are often several hundred Other Observations and some misidentified ones to be tackled (or avoided).
I am learning to be calmer and more patient - surely a good philosophy when wading in unknown waters.

I think this project might best be used to explain about biology, shell structure and as a place for interesting information.
I am using the opportunity to learn more.
The three Blue Rayed Limpet Observations show how I aim to use this Project.

The three Blue Rayed Limpet Observations show how I aim to use this Project.
The summary of my interest is in the most recent Observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/18435310
I guess I might wish to follow as many leads as it takes to complete any one short study
I shall be looking at Spiralis worm cases soon and also Spirobranchus triqueter

I have been wading just within my depth for a couple of weeks.
I have been 'put right' by some good and well-meaning people and made some strong friends and I have used some of iNat's facilities to good effect.
I was surprised to learn that "....observations with photos and which have obtained the "research grade" are automatically transmitted to GBIF by iNaturalist." (https://www.inaturalist.org/posts/13900-sharing-your-observations-with-the-community-at-gbif)
This seems a little curious, as many of the organisms cannot, in theory at least, be identified from a photo alone and few are supported by ID text. So one has to hope that at least the one agreement that has promoted the RG setting, is based on good science or extensive knowledge.
Beyond which, I like the way Curators quickly engage when required or when asked.
I have launched a couple of Personal Projects, which I am using mainly to store relevant information. In particular, I have managed to bring together all the information I hold about the gorgeous Blue Rayed Limpet, seen only in very limited marine areas of Western Europe but with one VERY interesting Observation in the USA. One of three posts shown below
I may wade a little out of my depth (have to swim), but not yet.