[reccom] First State Record Criteria

[Rick Fridell]

Kristin,

How we deal with these types of records has been in flux for a while. We
recently voted on several measures (Fall 2006 ?) that are included in the
"Accepted Proposals; not incorporated into bylaws" section (perhaps Milt can
provide the appropriate wording) and I believe one of these measures
included a special category for records without photos. I believe earlier
this year, or maybe late last year, we voted on a Gray Hawk record that did
not have photographs and it is "accepted" and included in the 'First State
Records' list #434 (but does not have any special designation):
http://www.utahbirds.org/RecCom/ArchFirstState.htm

So I believe we voted on this record with the idea that the criteria have
changed and we can accept written records and they will fall in a category
of a written record without accompanying physical evidence.

Regardless of how this was resolved (or rather left unresolved) I believe we
as record committee members should review every record based on the SAME
criteria (i.e. the individual merits of the submitted record) and give our
best opinion on whether the bird described was a naturally occurring
individual of the species reported.  I believe this review should be
consistent whether it is a first state record or a 400th state record.

We can use different criteria on whether or not a species should be included
on the official state checklist: and this can be as arbitrary as we like a)
must have an accepted record with photographs (or other physical evidence),
b) must have at least two or three or twelve accepted written records
without physical evidence, etc, etc.

So I guess I can answer at least one of your questions directly "Are each of
you comfortable with the criteria?"  NO Absolutely not.

Regards,

Rick





-----Original Message-----
From: reccom-bounces at utahbirds.org
[mailto:reccom-bounces at utahbirds.org]On Behalf Of Kristin Purdy
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 9:07 PM
To: Utah Bird Records Committee
Subject: [reccom] First State Record Criteria


Gents,

Are our bylaw criteria for first state records lacking physical evidence too
stringent and if so, what should they be?

I had an epiphany this weekend when I submitted my 2nd round vote on the
Gilded Flicker record--our bylaws provide itemized guidance for first state
records whether or not they're accompanied by physical evidence. I
conveniently forgot this when I submitted my first round Gilded Flicker
comments that began with "A detailed written account of a well-seen
distinctive species would be a reasonable substitute for physical
evidence...". That was incorrect. Our bylaws itemize the conditions that a
first state record lacking physical evidence must meet, and my comment
covers only one of the four conditions.

This year's other closed first state records or potentials in the second
round had/have physical evidence. The Gilded Flicker record represents the
first one that I've voted on that must meet stringent criteria because the
record doesn't include physical evidence. Also, I don't interpret the rules
to allow the hypothetical category to apply to this record.

I think we're obligated to vote according to the bylaws. Are each of you
comfortable with the criteria?

Kris



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