by Victor W. Fazio, III
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The Ohio Bird Records Committee by Victor W. Fazio, III |
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Ornithology, like entomology and astronomy, remains a science where the amateur can make significant contributions. Bird populations are ever in flux and only the army of amateur birdwatchers recording thousands of observations afield each year could keep us informed of these changes. The notes of many a serious birder find an outlet in several publications, including at the regional level Audubon Field Notes, and at the state level The Ohio Cardinal . These seasonal summaries are vetted largely by their respective editors. However, where particular records would cause us to change our thinking on what constitutes the state's avifauna or its temporal and spatial distribution, these records are sent to the Ohio Bird Records Committee (OBRC). Like some 40 other state review committees in the United States, the OBRC is comprised of members recognized for their expertise in bird identification. Ours is a rotating committee, with 10 members serving 3 year terms, elected with the approval of the 300 strong subscribers of The Ohio Cardinal and its editors. A non-rotating voting secretary gives the committee continuity with respect to long-term projects. The OBRC principally functions to serve the scientific community, The Ohio Cardinal, and the birder community of Ohio in the validation of extremely rare avian records within the state's boundaries. In the post-shotgun era, bird records are rarely based on specimen evidence. In lieu of such physical material, the committee reviews photographs, audio recordings, and written documentation. It is not within the purview of the committee to pronounce on whether a particular bird was seen or not seen. Rather, we accept or reject the record solely on the validity of the supporting materials provided us. This review is typically with respect to the identity of the bird, but may also include judgments as to likely origin (e.g. whether captive or of natural occurrence). Our majority decisions are published in summary form seasonally within The Ohio Cardinal. All records received by the committee are archived and are available. |
for researchers upon request. This serves the scientific community as a form of peer review, The Ohio Cardinal benefits from published decisions, and birders benefit from added credence to their records. Researchers, editors, and observers are encouraged to take advantage of this service. The OBRC further functions to keep the official state list of birds for Ohio. We are actively scanning written and photographic documentations toward their electronic storage and retrieval at our website. We welcome further additions to this database, especially still and video photography and sound recordings. Aside from original documentations and their attendant committee decisions, the web surfer can expect to find documentation forms, the state checklist, the state review list, and other resources. Of particular interest to students of bird distribution will be a running 10 year chronology of the frequency of review list species—an early detection system for changes in peripheral species. Documentations and requests for information should be addressed to Jim McCormac, Secretary, OBRC, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, Fountain Square, Columbus, Oh |. Seasonal and annual reports are available through subscription to The Ohio Cardinal ($15.00/yr.) to Mr. Edwin C. Pierce, publisher, The Ohio Cardinal, 2338 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319.  © Victor W. Fazio, III |