#7-B-92 Comments

----- Original Message -----
From: "Cliff and Lisa Weisse" <CliffandLisa@octobersetters.com>
To: <IBRC@idahobirds.net>
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 8:35 AM
Subject: Garganey records for surrounding states / natural
occurrence


I did a little research into timing of records for Garganey in
the region and this is what I found:

Montana has three records for Garganey
May 1993, sex/age not given
April 1991, adult male
May 1977, adult male
All three records are from the northern two tiers of latilongs

Oregon BRC has accepted three records for Garganey
Sept 17-19, 1988, 1 basic plumage
May 9-13, 1992, 1 breeding plumage male
May 14-17, 2005, 1 adult male

Idaho has one record prior to the report we are currently
considering:
April 20-May 3, 1990, Snake River near Hammet, Elmore County

I couldn't find a database for Washington.

Regarding the record currently under consideration, IBRC record
#7-B-92, there's no way to say with certainty that this is a wild
duck but the timing of occurrence, 14-18 May, certainly fits the
pattern of previous reports from the region.  The behavior
exibited, interaction with Cinnamon Teal drakes, seems normal for
a male in breeding season.  No indication of unusual behavior or
markings is noted in the reports (unless I missed something?).
At this point I feel like this is a record that deserves
acceptance since the identification seems certain, timing is
typical for the species, and there's no indication of captive
origin.  I'd be interested in any contrary opinion(s).

The question that we have yet to address is how are we going to
determine natural occurrence for future reports?  Are we going to
decide on a set of criteria or guidelines for IBRC?  Or will each
of us use our own criteria?   What does everyone think about
this?  I personally think it makes sense to adopt a set of
criteria to apply to future records being considered.  If we're
going to use our own individual ideas I'd like to hear what
everyone thinks is important.  Obviously there are things like
presence of bands or other man made marks (clipped webbing,
pinioned wings, etc), atypical molt pattern for season, tameness
or lack thereof, and unusually worn plumage that can help assess
whether a bird may be of wild origin.  What else should we
consider when trying to evaluate these records?  I think we need
to address this issue before we get into some of the other
records that are going into the second round of voting.

Cliff

Cliff and Lisa Weisse
Island Park:City>, ID:State>:place>
CliffandLisa@octobersetters.com:p>