Michigan Audubon Society
Rare Bird Report Form
Instructions: This form is to be used for species presently on the MBRC Review List, potential first state records, or those observations for which a seasonal survey compiler has solicited documentation.
To submit documentation, download the form (.doc), and send it to the MBRC secretary, Adam M. Byrne, by email (preferable) or mail.
MBRC Rare Bird Report Form
c/o Adam M. Byrne
11771 Rachel Ln.
DeWitt, MI 48820
(email address available at the "committee members" tab)
Once your documentation has been reviewed by the committee, you will receive a formal correspondence indicating the committee's actions on your record. This process often takes over a year, so please be patient.
All fields in the form are required. Please answer all the questions as thoroughly as possible.
Link to downloadable version of this form: Rare Bird Report Form (.doc)
If you prefer not to download the form, here is an .html version of its fields. Simply copy and paste all of these fields into your word processing software of choice and forward to the secretary.
1. Species.
2. Number of individuals.
3. Date of sighting.
4. County.
5. Exact location. Be as specific as possible, including nearest crossroads (include GPS coordinates if known, as well as coordinate system and receiver type).
6. Time bird(s) observed.
7. Detailed description (Be as specific as you can, and include if possible: length; bulk; color and pattern of plumage; shape; bill, eye, and leg characteristics; and any other field marks you observed. This is the most important part of your submission).
8. Similarly appearing species and how eliminated.
9. Were photographs obtained? (If so, please include them with your email or contact the secretary to arrange transfer of files).
10. Were field notes taken? If so, how long after the observation they were made? (Please include scans or photocopies of field notes with your email).
11. Description of voice.
12. Behaviors observed.
13. Habitat.
14. Distance from bird and how measured or estimated (indicate which).
15. Optical equipment used to view bird(s).
16. Light (sky, light on bird, position of sun in relation to bird and you).
17. Previous experience with this species and similarly appearing species.
18. Other observers. (give all known contact information for each).
19. Did the others agree with your identification? (if not, explain).
20. Books and other sources consulted, and how these influenced the
description.
21. Did you consult references prior to or after first writing down a description?
22. How long after observing this bird did you first write down its description?
23. Your name.
24. Your email address.
25. Your home address.
26. Date you filled out this form.
