Please include the following in your report:
1. You
Your name, address, phone, and email contact information.
2. Bird identification
Write in the name of the species you have identified and information on number of birds seen, sex, plumage, and age (if known).
3. Dates
Month, day, and year. If there are multiple observations, include each date.
4. Location
Be specific; describe the habitat.
5. Details
Include only what was actually observed, not what should have been seen or heard. Stres field marks: bill, eye, wings, tail, legs, shape, proportions, "jizz," etc. Also include behavior, feeding, resting, flying, interactions with other species. Describe voice (song, calls, or notes), if heard. State your reasons for your identification - your familiarity with the species, field guides used, similar species that were eliminated, references you consulted, etc. Describe the circumstances of the observation, light conditions, positions of the sun, distance to the bird, duration of observation, equipment used, time of day, time of tide, etc. Add the name(s) and email addresses and phone numbers (if known) of other observers who may have identified the bird.
6. Photos and recordings
State whether photos were taken or video or sound recordings were made. OBRC will duplicate and return original slides and tapes promptly. Donations of slide duplicates (OBRC prefers a double set) and copies of recordings may be considered a tax-deductible expense.
Send your report by email to OBRC Chair Harry Nehls