Geolocator Birds and Records

[cou...@gojade.org]

I thoroughly enjoyed the latest article in Colorado Birds “Where Black Swifts Go In Winter”. The info learned during this process has been nothing short of amazing. Thanks to Jason, Carolyn and Kim for the excellent report.

However, an important question has been raised regarding bird records, acceptance to state lists, country lists etc. Since Black Swifts had never been reported in Texas and other countries, what would be Colorado’s policy on adding a new State species that has never been seen, heard, or photographed within the State before and is only substantiated by the Geolocator or other GPS devices? Having served on past records committees, I know how seriously they take the written report, details, differentia and other documentation from the observation and that every detail matters. GeoLocators provide one piece of data, but where does that leave observations and written reports? So I am not sure what Texas will decide on the matter, but this also begs the question for Colorado as well.  What is Colorado’s policy on the matter? Thanks for your thoughts on this.

 

John Rawinski

Monte Vista, CO

[Amber Carver]

John,

That's an interesting question.  You should post it to the CFO Facebook group and open it up to a wider forum.

Amber Carver

Montrose, CO