Date: 3/3/26 6:05 pm From: Harry LeGrand (via carolinabirds Mailing List) <carolinabirds...> Subject: Comments on "Rules for eBird acceptance of a rare species"
Folks,
Several times a day many of us look at the Carolina Bird Club Sightings page to see what rarities have been reported in NC and in SC. I was a bit surprised over the past few days to see one or several rare bird sightings that have been accepted by a reviewer with no documentation, or some still with much documentation, not yet accepted by a reviewer. Here is what I found when I Googled "Rules for eBird acceptance of a rare species" (the blue is in Google, not mine):
eBird requires rigorous documentation for rare species to be accepted into its public database, usually involving detailed written descriptions, photos, or audio recordings. A volunteer regional reviewer evaluates this evidence to rule out similar species and confirm identification, or the record remains unconfirmed and private
Key rules for submitting rare species include:
- *Documentation:* Provide detailed notes on field marks, behavior, and vocalizations, rather than just stating "seen well" or "seen with expert". - *Media:* Upload photos or audio recordings, even if not high quality, as they are essential for verification. - *Rule out similar species:* Specifically explain how you ruled out more common, similar-looking species. - *Age and Sex:* Note the age and sex if possible, as this aids in identification. - *Location and Date:* Ensure accurate location plotting; for sensitive species, consider delaying reports.
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So, this is a reminder for reporters of eBird list "write-ins" -- make sure that you provide the necessary information in Comments for a reviewer to be able to accept your report. And a reminder for eBird reviewers -- make sure that you have the necessary information in Comments to be able to evaluate a report, acceptance or not.
NOTE: I tried to post this same material about 30 minutes ago to the GroupMe NC Rare Bird Alert page, but the moderator deleted this important reminder. We all want to abide by eBird rules about reporting and then accepting records into the eBird database.
As the CBC Briefs for the Files editor, I go through the eBird database four times a year and collect the most significant reports that have been accepted, going species by species for a given season. Thus, it is very important that these sightings be documented in the eBird database before they appear in print in *The Chat.*
