Report a Rare Bird Sighting | Ohio Ornithological Society

Reporting a Rare Bird Sighting

Part of the excitement of birding comes when we find something unusual, something rare or unexpected that we can relish and share with others. But telling others about your finding, in person or on the internet, is fleeting. Even more important, for the ornithological record, is documenting your record in a permanent way. Reports of rarities, when they can be authenticated and published, help to fill out the total picture of our local avifauna. As records, they can help us all to recognize habitats, regions, or seasons in which scarce species are most likely to be found.

Tips on Documenting Bird Sightings

Why Submit Documentation?

Any scientific report of an unusual phenomenon must be supported by documentation: that is, verifiable evidence reported and vouched for by a first-hand observer, submitted for peer review before acceptance and publication. In general, the rarer and more interesting the occurrence, the more important it is to document and verify it for the record. You may complete the online form below, or print and send in the online OBRC Submission Form.

If you are a human and are seeing this field, please leave it blank.

Fields marked with an * are required

Your Contact Information

Sighting Information

What species did you observe? *

Approximately how many individuals did you see? *

What was the date and time of the sighting? *

In which Ohio county did the sighting occur? *

Where did you see the bird? *

What were the circumstances of the sighting? Include information such as distance from bird, the type of optics you used, the weather, and lighting. *

What literature did you consult to confirm your sighting?

List other people who observed the bird, if applicable.

Species Description

Thorough Description of the Bird *

What was the structure of the bird? Overall size, shape, details of head, feet and tail. *

Describe plumage - any markings, coloration, molt? *

Any vocalizations noted, call, or chip notes? *

What behavior did you observe in the bird? *

Describe the general landscape features and the specific niche that this bird occupied. *

Did you consider any other species during the identification process? Why were they eliminated for consideration?

The Importance of Chimney Swift Conservation

Chimney Swifts have declined by over 50% in just the last 40 years. Chimney Swifts can be helped by making chimneys accessible for the birds or by building Chimney Swift Towers – specially designed nesting/roosting towers.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Plant native trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses that attract more insects than non-native plants. Chimney Swifts feed exclusively on flying insects which are crucial during the breeding season.

Investigate an alternative venting system if you are converting a furnace or hot water heater to gas, leaving the chimney unlined and uncapped for the swifts.

Work with an experienced chimney sweep company that can speak to the issue of Chimney Swift conservation and chimney maintenance.

Encourage your neighborhood parks, schools, and businesses to build chimney swift towers.

Work with local conservation groups to raise awareness of the need for uncapped chimneys for Chimney Swift conservation.

News & Events

2019 Bird Walk – August 25th, September 1st and 8th – Findlay Reservoir

Aug 13, 2019 | OOS Events

Sunday – August 25, 2019 Sunday – September 1, 2019 Sunday – September 8, 2019 7:15 AM - Meet at Reservoir 1 Parking Lot Join OOS Board Member, Amy Downing, and explore one of the best inland lakes for rare shorebirds, gulls, and more! We have scheduled three...

2019 Bird Walk – August 31 – Fall Shorebird Birding with the OOS

Jul 3, 2019 | OOS Events

Saturday – August 31, 2019 Time to be Determined SHOREBIRDS!! SHOREBIRDS!! SHOREBIRDS!! OOS Regional Director, Jon Cefus, will be leading a birdwalk on Saturday, August 31 for members and friends. Since shorebird habitat is not guaranteed, the decision on where to...

2019 Bird Walk – July 20 – Huffman Prairie Flying Field (Dayton, Greene County)

Jul 2, 2019 | OOS Events

Saturday – July 20, 2019 8:00 am – 10:30 am Huffman Prairie, also known as Huffman Prairie Flying Field is part of Ohio's Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. The 84-acre (34-hectare) patch of rough pasture, near Fairborn, northeast of Dayton, is the...