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, Brad Murphy, by email (preferable) or mail.
MBRC Rare Bird Report Form c/o Brad Murphy 4308 Grange Hall Rd. Holly, MI 48442 (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 and time of sighting. (Please be sure to indicate how long your observations lasted.)
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. 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.)
7. Description of voice.
8. Behaviors observed.
9. Habitat.
10. Similar species and how eliminated.
11. Previous experience with this species and similar species.
12. Distance from bird and how measured or estimated (indicate which).
13. Optical equipment used to view bird(s).
14. Light (sky, light on bird, position of sun in relation to bird and you).
15. Other observers. (Give all known contact information for each.)
16. Did the others agree with your identification? (If not, then explain.)
17. When did you first write down notes describing the bird(s) in question? (If you have field notes, or notes written within a few days after returning from the field, then please include scans or photocopies of them with your submission).
18. Books and other references consulted.
19. Were the references consulted before or after you first wrote down a description?
20. How did the references influence the description?
21. Were photographs obtained? (If so, then please include them with your email or contact the secretary to arrange transfer of files.)
22. Your name.
23. Your email address.
24. Your home address.
25. Date you filled out this form.
