Checklist for preparing a Rare Bird Report
home
There are no fixed rules for writing a rare bird report, however if you have never done one before, the following checklist may be helpful. Ignore what is not applicable or relevant; just use the parts that help you prepare your report. This is not a report form, but only a checklist to aid in completing your report.
Species, Date,
Locality
Sex, Age, Plumage
Brief narrative
describing discovery of bird, including names of any persons with you at
the time.
Previous sightings
by others, including name of person originally finding bird
Complete description.
Include only what was seen, not what you think you should
have been seen.
Comparison to nearby species if applicable
Size, shape, posture
Head and face: pattern and colors
Bill: color, shape, length
Eye: color, size, eye ring, orbital ring
Upper and lower parts: colors, patterns, feather wear
Wings and tail: length, colors, patterns, feather wear
Legs and feet: length, shape, color
Vocalizations
Habitat and behavior
Other species you
considered when making your identification along with your reasons for
eliminating them.
References consulted
and when: while you were watching bird, after watching bird, after writing
field notes?
Your experience
with species
Optics used
Weather, light,
distance from bird, length of time observed
Your name, address,
telephone and email
Include a copy
of your field notes and sketches, as well as any photos, video, or recordings
available, or tell the Committee where these can be obtained.
Submit to Marjorie Rines, MARC Secretary, Mass Audubon, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773