Thank you, Julian. Are eBird reports considered rare bird sighting submissions, or are rarities only reviewed if the guidelines on the COA website are followed? Just to clarify my understanding, it up to individuals to submit reports directly to the committee for review and if certain standards are met, for a report to be accepted into the official record. I could be way off on that or perhaps missed that detail in the email thread. I also want to be a little tacky and pitch the fact the CTBirds Listserv enjoyed and utilized by so many as a tool for finding birds, sometimes rare, is a service paid for by COA. Memberships provide important financial support to the organization and allow for the service to continue. -Abby Sesselberg Guilford COA Board Member Sent by my handheld gonculator. > On Sep 21, 2021, at 8:50 PM, julian hough <jrhough1@snet.net> wrote: > All, > As we likely have a lot more birders now that may not be familiar with documenting rarities, other than going to see them and enjoy them, perhaps I can expound on previous posts. > There are a lot of folks that give their time and expertise to help guard the official list and leave a solid list of records in the archive to inform future generations. > We cannot do that without those of you that are lucky enough to not only find rare birds, but also share those with other members of the community. > Doing that via CT bird, rather than solely via ebird will also help spread the word quicker and more timely. > However, the committee is always grateful for documented information that helps add context to rarities. While a picture is great, a bit more information is often helpful to help the committee gain insight into patterns and other aspects of rarities that may not be apparent. > I like to think of it as a badge of honor to do the bit of work to ensure "your" bird is added to the archive. So thank you in advance for that bit of extra 'homework' that we have to do as part of our success. > Many of the committee members give their skills and time to other aspects of the COA and are also the same people that often find many of the rarities themselves. > There is information on the COA website about the rarities committee, what a jolly friendly bunch they are, who they are (with pictures!) and how to submit a sighting. > https://www.ctbirding.org/arcc/reporting-rare-sightings/ > Many thanks, > Julian HoughNew Haven > > Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android > > CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ > CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/

Abby, Thanks for the note. While my last note was intended to be a general note, I think this seems appropriate to defer to the Secretary to speak on behalf of what the committee will do as far as documentation and requisite ebird records  With ebird now becoming a staple tool, I expect such documentation, as long as it meets the criteria set out by the committee, would be acceptable but that is me speaking as a birder and not as a committee member. A clear statement on ebird usage I am sure will be forthcoming in an official capacity. Thanks again for your note and enthusiasm in the field! Julian HoughNew Haven