Reporting Rarities

What should you do if you are fortunate to find a rare or unusual species of bird on Arran?

Click for a list of species to be submitted to Scottish and Local Record Committees

Here is a brief summary of what to do before, during, and after your encounter:


Before:

Have a fair knowledge of what birds are possible on Arran

Have a working knowledge of the names of the different parts of a bird's external anatomy

During

View the bird as long as is possible or reasonable

Be prepared with a small notebook …and use it.

Don't look at a field guide before or while taking notes

Take a photo or a video if at all possible

Tell the bird recorder for the Arran Natural History Society as soon as feasible

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After

Tell the bird recorder for the Arran Natural History Society as soon as feasible

Refer to reference material and consult "experts"

Write up a "Rarity Report Form" available as a word document download or contact the bird recorder for the Arran Natural History Society for a paper copy.

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