Under our new 'accelerated review' policy, the New York State Avian Records Committee (NYSARC) will shortly begin deliberations on two potential additions to the NYS Checklist: GRACE'S WARBLER (Point Lookout, Nassau Co.) and GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCH (Black Dome Mountain, Greene Co. & Boonville/Locust Grove, Lewis Co.). Despite their short stays, both species were seen by a terrific number of lucky people due in large part to the ever improving dissemination of bird news and provision of timely updates by homeowners and observers in the field. Well done to all!
To date, the Committee has received 6 reports (documentation in the form of written descriptions and/or photographs) on the Grace's Warbler, a single report on the Black Dome Rosy-Finch and 5 reports on the Boonville Rosy-Finch. These include documentation from two of the three finders, which is especially gratifying, but in truth all observers are strongly encouraged to submit their own impressions and photographs. Although it may seem redundant, receipt of multiple reports adds depth to the archived material (irrespective of NYSARC acceptance) and is valuable when there are uncertainties. For the individual contributor, preparing and submitting a report provides a lasting 'souvenir' of a special event and a chance to associate one's name with the permanent ornithological record. Taking the time to prepare a written a description of a notable bird as well as an explanation of how you personally made the identification (confirmatory or independently) is actually a very powerful way to hone one's birding skills and to coin a tired phrase, ultimately 'makes one a better birder'. To ensure you are included, please file your reports with Jeanne Skelly, Secretary of NYSARC, within the next week or less. The Committee is also reviewing a large packet of 2011 reports, including many sightings from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. Again if you have plans to submit reports from this period, but have not done so, now is the time. Details of how and where to submit can be found on the NYSARC webpages ( http://nybirds.org/NYSARC/index.htm) that are housed within the excellent NYSOA website (http://nybirds.org/index.html). If you have any questions about the process, please don't hesitate to ask. Good birding, Angus Wilson Chair, New York State Avian Records Committee (NYSARC) New York State Ornithological Association (NYSOA) -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
