kb57
Well-known member
I would love to be able to disaggregate heard-only records from sight records on eBird, as I don't count them towards my year or life lists. However I have to accept that eBird is a citizen science tool, and (as Peter said upthread) it is more important to get accurate data in.There shouldn’t be anything wrong with “lug’ole” ticks only, particularly if the call was repeated and or heard “clearly”.
Many years ago on a balmy June circa midnight, I opened the back door to put some trash in the bin and heard “wet-my-lips” thrice going North.
I can recall punching the air as it represented not just a garden flyover tick, it was also a “heard” tick.
I duly submitted the record to the local recorder assuming that it would be bounced with no ensuing response, then to my complete surprise the record was included in the following year’s report….along with a second report from another birder further North in the valley.
I’ve often wondered if it would have been given short shrift had it been the only record.😮
Quail is a great example - it's on my eBird list too but won't count towards my year list - overland nocturnal common scoters are another where sound records provide great data.
Obviously the same degree of caution has to be exercised as you would with sight records, especially in well-birded areas where guides may be taping, or where species well-known for mimicry are present. And it should go without saying that Merlin IDs shouldn't be accepted uncritically!