Hello Bird Watchers, Birders, Photographers, and Ornithologists,
As you are out enjoying nature and birds we ask that you please follow this request when reporting species. The Kansas eBird review team and Kansas Bird Records Committee (KBRC) are interested in data accuracy and the study of unexpected species. To help us with that goal, we ask you to describe flagged eBird sightings and rare bird sightings in general.
If you think you may have a rare bird please try to document it as best as possible. Photos and a written description are useful in documentation and when possible both are preferred. Stating the bird is mere "Continuing", "seen well", "photos", or "no doubt" doesn't assist in these goals. If you have taken photos add them to the report. There are many species that look similar in appearance and your documentation is useful in separating species. https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48000803130-how-to-document-your-sightings
We also ask that you familiarize yourself with the KBRC review list and submit a report if the rare bird is listed on it. The species list includes a column with "Justification for reporting" and you have multiple methods of submitting a report included at the bottom of the page. Some of the links on the page also reiterate how to document sightings. https://www.ksbirds.org/KBRC/kbrcrvulist.html
Using eBird mobile or posting your sightings to the listserv or social media contributes to the understanding of birds and affords others information on where they might see certain species. Submitting observations from the field in a timely manner for rare birds is particularly impactful on others as you can sign up for alerts and receive quick reports. If you submit to eBird, understand that sightings may be flagged for multiple reasons beyond being a rare bird. This website describes the review process. *If the species is flagged for a single bird being entered, then you should include a description of what you saw on the bird to eliminate other species. If a species is flagged for a specific number, then you should describe how you arrived at the number you entered into the checklist. *Stating that you have a picture or a recording but not attaching it, stating seen by others, or any of the prior comments are not helpful. With spring migration and early arrivals, don't be shocked if you trip a filter and need to write something in your comments. With few reviewers and some users that are not following the requests, it can be tiring following up with everyone. https://support.ebird.org/en/support/solutions/articles/48000795278-the-ebird-review-process
If you submit an eBird report for a species on the KBRC review list, note you may receive an email from an eBird reviewer asking that you submit a KBRC report. If you have already submitted a KBRC report or are aware that one is needed and plan to submit one, you can simply note that in the comments in addition to your other documentation.
Lastly, whether your eBird report is accepted or not it doesn't change your list. Similarly, whether your KBRC report is approved or not doesn't change your report and list. This process is about data accuracy and perhaps there isn't enough evidence to verify the sighting. Your description of the bird is needed to confirm records so your sighting will be included in the eBird public data, with KBRC documentation, and for research purposes. With different data archival methods and purposes we hope you use both.
