A. J. Erskine, C.W.S.

reprinted from

Atlantic Chapter Newsletter

Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists

Vol 9(1):14, 1978

A Proposed verification form for unusual Bird Records

Ornithological information on Prince Edward Island is still collected in a rather unsophisticated form and no rigorous system has been established to process or evaluate records of unusual species or seasonal occurrences which people have observed. The following form was developed by the Kingston Field Naturalists for unusual sightings from their members or other birders. I would like to present this form to the membership with the View to developing something similar to this. Do you like the idea? Would it be worthwhile setting up a permanent data bank with this type of information? Maybe this would be worth discussing at our November meeting.

Observers are encouraged to review a good field guide's write-up of an unusual bird while it is actually under observation in the field so that each important field mark may be looked for and checked out on the spot.

1. DATE and TIME of writing this account:

2. NAME of the BIRD and NUMBER of individuals:

3 . LOCALITY:

4 . DATE WHEN SEEN: 5 . TIME OF DAY:

6 . OBSERVERS

7. LIGHT CONDITIONS: underline or circle (a) general — sunny, light, medium or dark clouds, etc.

(b) where was the bird? - in the open; light, medium or deep shade.

(c) where was the sun as you faced the bird? - behind you, in front of you, or" degrees from the bird

8. TYPE and CONDITION of OPTICAL equipment used:

9. DISTANCE at which seen, and how judged: estimated, paced, etc.:

10. What was the bird doing? (flying, resting, feeding, etc.) (Mention position of the bird in relation to the observer).

11. HABITAT - general and specific: 12. Length of time bird was studied: 13. CIRCUMSTANCES under which the bird was found: (first seen by,

etc.):

14. If you have an original sketch, made at the time of the obser— vation. please attach it.