Hi everyone
I am writing to let you what EBRC have very recently completed the first circulation of 2024 (and some records from late 2023, and one earlier one). The results have just been compiled by Mark and put online by Tommy, and can be seen in the usual place - EBRC decisions | uaebirding.
Thanks to everyone who found a rare bird from the current batch and even more so for submitting it directly to use via the RBR form (see Report a rarity | uaebirding) to download a form. Whilst we can 'scrape' details directly from eBird, we much prefer to get proper, more detailed information direct from the observer and this is all goes to the archive. Please do not wait to be asked for this - if you have found a bird on our RBR-required list, then please submit the record. Our next circulation will be late October or November - but please don't wait until then!
You will notice somewhat more not proven records that is normal in the current batch, and several of those are simply because we did not have sufficient evidence on record to be sure that the ID was as claimed - so please try and give us sufficient detail to work from. We want to accept all the records we can, but can only do so if we have the evidence we need in front of us i.e. in RBR.
One final point with specific regard to Eastern Yellow Wagtail. Whilst it is possible this species may prove to be a regular visitor to the UAE in (probably very) small numbers, it will always be a VERY difficult bird to prove. We are only able to accept records of this species that have both a good quality image and / or a very detailed description (to rule out Citrine Wagtail) AND a clear, good recording of the call from which we can use the sonogram to rule out Western Yellow Wagtail. Note that a good recording i.e. loud, clear and high res so we can see the fine details of the sonogram, is not easy to obtain, so do please try very hard if you think you have found one.
Finally, thanks to all EBRC members for working hard to get through the current circulation and again to Tommy and Mark for holding it all together.
Good birding
Oscar