1st Round

08-09-2009
Dave Trochlell--Accept

To me, the species identification of WHSW appears to be assured here, but issue of provenance is far more troubling - especially coming the Hagerman area, Idaho's exotic waterfowl capital.

On the other hand, these reports make a convincing case for natural occurrence, and at least for this first vote I'm going to accept the record.

08/09/2009
Darren Clark--Accept

I don't think the identification of the bird is in question. The main question is probably one of origin. The bird seemed to arrive with and hang around Tundra Swans and it left in the spring with them. This indicates a wild bird to me.

9 August 2009
Hardy--Accept

Identification is convincing; provenance is more problematic, but in the absence of physical or behavioral evidence of captive origin, I think it is reasonable to accept this as a wild bird.

08-10-2009
Sturts--Accept

Excellent photos and description by more than one observer leave little doubt of the correct identification.

From its behavior and lack of any leg bands it appears to be a wild bird.

08-15-2009
chuck trost--Accept

I don't think there is any doubt about the identity of this bird, but I am abit bothered about its origin. So many bizarre waterfowl hove shown up near this area that I'm suspicious. but this bird did not have a band, and behaved normally. also, it left at the appropriate time in the spring.

08-17-2009
Doug Ward--Accept

With numerous excellent photos, and accompanying good descriptions with appropriate comparables (even to potential hybrids), I don’t believe there is any question as to the identity of this bird.

The question of origin is obviously the primary issue with this record. Two of the reporters discuss this asspect specifically and noted the lack of leg bands (confirmed in a couple of the photos showing the lower legs as the bird feed) or other indicators which could call origin into question. In addition, the Weisse report included a good summary of other occurrences of Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) in the region as well as the respective rare bird committee’s criteria for acceptance. I believe this was indeed a wild bird. Excellent record!

9/30/09
Charles Swift--Accept

The identification of this bird seems fine. There is still some concern about origins of exotic waterfowl at this location although this bird fits the pattern for natural occurrence so I'll vote to accept.