Hi all,
This is an eBird-related post.
Glad folks are enjoying the Polk Gyrfalcon and other Polk rarities of late.
Thanks so much to all of you who are submitting data to eBird in Polk! Just
a quick request as an eBird reviewer for Polk--Please note, this is not
directed at anyone in particular, just a general note:
If you find and eBird the Polk Gyr, please consider either posting a photo
(as many have) or writing a description of how you identified the bird
which is more than just "continuing", including marks such as the specific
color pattern and structure you saw on the bird's face, wings, breast, etc.
and/or why you are sure it was the Gyrfalcon. Multiple good observers have
mis-identified it on different days at this point, indicating that it is
not an easy ID in all cases, and considering that it wanders widely and
there are many similar raptors in the area, I would greatly appreciate it
if we can establish the ID each time. This will also hopefully encourage us
to study this magnificent rare raptor and learn about it.
Sorry to make an extra request. I hope all are well, and are enjoying their
birding in Polk County and elsewhere.
Best wishes and love to all,
Caleb
