Note: Rare bird reports and submissions, along with documentation and with photographs where available, are circulated to all committee members for written response in advance. During the subsequent conference call, and after all written responses have been circulated, each submission is discussed in detail. Recommendations are made by consensus.
A total of 10 submissions involving 8 species were reviewed through written submissions for Round 28. In addition, discussions were continued for two reports submitted to earlier rounds.
Reflecting the evolution of rare bird reporting and the now wide-spread use of digital photography by birders, newer submissions are frequently supported by photographs. However, the committee strongly encourages observers to continue to make careful field notes to support all submissions. These field notes often prove extremely important to the committee’s decision making even when apparently “good” photographs are provided. To support the taking of field notes see the guide linked here: A Guide for Taking Field Notes.
A full account of all the decisions made by the committee, including records not accepted, will be published in an upcoming issue of our journal British Columbia Birds.
Unless copyright restrictions are indicated, the material in this report may be reproduced in another publication provided that the BCFO Bird Records Committee is credited fully.
Suggested citation example: British Columbia Field Ornithologists, Bird Records Committee. BRC Round 28 Feb – Mar 2020, Accepted Records. https://bcfo.ca/brc-round-28-feb-mar-2020-accepted-records/ .
The following species were accepted to the Main Provincial List
Scripp’s Murrelet (8 September 2019 – coast off Tofino)
BCBRC #2020–14 Joachim Bertrands
Photo: Joachim Bertrands
Lesser Goldfinch (25 November – 26 November 2019 – Oak Bay, Victoria)
BCBRC #2020–15 Geoffrey Newell
Photo: Geoffrey Newell
Red-throated Pipit (6 December – 29 December 2019 – Martindale Flats, Central Saanich
BCBRC #2020–16 Geoffrey Newell
Photo: Geoffrey Newell
Dusky Thrush (19 January – 15 February 2019 – Nanaimo)
BCBRC #2020–17 David Baird, Bryan Vroom
Photo: David Baird
Lesser Goldfinch (9 December 2019 – 12 February 2020 continuing – Oak Bay, Victoria)
BCBRC #2020–18 Geoffrey Newell
Photo: Geoffrey Newell
Note: The committee accepted the above two Lesser Goldfinches as separate records: BCBRC #2020–15, and BCBRC #2020–18, however, they may pertain to the same individual.
Nazca Booby [carcass] (26 June – 10 July 2019 – Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Parksville)
BCBRC #2020–19 Kerry Baker
Photo: Kerry Baker
Black-tailed Gull (14 November 2009 – Clover Point, Victoria)
BCBRC #2020–20 Mike McGrenere
No photos
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (4 to 10 December 2011 – Beacon Hill Park, Victoria)
BCBRC #2020–21 Mike McGrenere
No photos
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (2 November 2015 – Victoria)
BCBRC #2020–22 Mike McGrenere
Photo: Aziza Cooper