Recording rarities
The finding of a rarity can be the highlight of a birding day – indeed, for some people it may represent the only criterion of a successful outing. It is important that an accurate archive of records of rare and scarce species is maintained and hence that consistent standards are applied to the acceptance of such records. This is ensured through a system of assessment of written descriptions of the circumstances of the occurrence and of the bird itself. Other evidence – sketches, photographs, video and sound-recordings, corpses of birds found dead or even single feathers – is likely to aid assessment of claims of rarities. Those who make use of the Highland Bird Report or other publications must have confidence that all records have been scrutinised and considered acceptable by the birding community of today.
It is always a good idea, however experienced an observer you are, to get someone else to confirm your identification of an unusual bird. Prompt reporting to the Recorder, or his local representative, of the occurrence of rare or scarce species is encouraged so that others may have the chance to see the bird as well. However, some sightings may be in sensitive areas or relate to rare breeders and in such circumstances we will not inform the general birding community.
A three tier system of record assessment applies in the Highland recording area:
• The British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) assesses records of species on the BBRC list.
• The Scottish Birds Rarities Committee (SBRC) assesses records of species on the SBRC list.
• The Highland Records Committee (HRC) assess records of species on the HRC list.
To submit a description either enter the sighting through birdtrack or complete the relevant form below and email directly to the Highland Recorder as soon as possible after the sighting.
The finding of a rarity can be the highlight of a birding day – indeed, for some people it may represent the only criterion of a successful outing. It is important that an accurate archive of records of rare and scarce species is maintained and hence that consistent standards are applied to the acceptance of such records. This is ensured through a system of assessment of written descriptions of the circumstances of the occurrence and of the bird itself. Other evidence – sketches, photographs, video and sound-recordings, corpses of birds found dead or even single feathers – is likely to aid assessment of claims of rarities. Those who make use of the Highland Bird Report or other publications must have confidence that all records have been scrutinised and considered acceptable by the birding community of today.
It is always a good idea, however experienced an observer you are, to get someone else to confirm your identification of an unusual bird. Prompt reporting to the Recorder, or his local representative, of the occurrence of rare or scarce species is encouraged so that others may have the chance to see the bird as well. However, some sightings may be in sensitive areas or relate to rare breeders and in such circumstances we will not inform the general birding community.
A three tier system of record assessment applies in the Highland recording area:
• The British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) assesses records of species on the BBRC list.
• The Scottish Birds Rarities Committee (SBRC) assesses records of species on the SBRC list.
• The Highland Records Committee (HRC) assess records of species on the HRC list.
To submit a description either enter the sighting through birdtrack or complete the relevant form below and email directly to the Highland Recorder as soon as possible after the sighting.
| BBRC form.doc |
| SBRC form.doc |
| HRC form.doc |
