CBC Compilers: The Unusual Species (US) flag

Use the "US" (boldfaced entry) flag for birds whose occurrence you consider surprising or unexpected or significant.

• Refer to the New Mexico Ornithological Society State Checklist for the best information about the status of bird species in the state. Clearly, you should flag any records of species whose status is `Review species' or `Hypothetical' on this list, and species that do not appear on the list at all.
• You should also apply the "US" flag to unusual winter records, even if the bird is not unusual in other seasons.
• If your circle has a long history (say, 15 years or more), flag records that are new to the circle, or that have appeared very rarely in the history of the circle.
• If your circle has not been long-established, use your own best judgement. The "US" flag should be used only for records that are quite out of the ordinary.

The judgement of those familiar with the area is the best guide. If you are familiar with the circle's avifauna, feel free to flag any record you think is significantly unusual. If you are unfamiliar with the area or season, please contact me and I'll put you in touch with appropriate experts.

Last updated: 2000/05/04 18:11:59
URL: http://www.nmt.edu/~shipman/z/cbc/us_flag.html