New York State
Ornithological Association

For the birders and birds of the Empire State

Listing and Reporting Bird Sightings

Reporting NYS / County List Reporting Get a Life List Patch
 
 

Black-necked Stilt, photo by Angus Wilson

Reporting Rare Birds

The New York State Avian Records Committee (NYSARC) evaluates all reports of unusual species or unexpected dates or locations. Each report is carefully reviewed before acceptance to the ornithological record.

For reporting instructions and forms (or online submission), see our NYSARC section.
  

Black-necked Stilt, photo by Angus Wilson

Reporting Not-So-Rare Birds

Birders are encouraged to submit their observations to the appropriate regional editor for inclusion in The Kingbird, NYSOA's quarterly journal. The Kingbird contains field observations, migration data, population and distributional changes, as reported by birders on a regional basis, from all over New York State. Field reports of rarities, often with photographs, are a regular feature.

 

Brown-headed Cowbird, photo by Brenda Best

Brown-headed Cowbird, photo by Brenda Best

 

County and State Listing

The County and State Listing project, created by Berna Lincoln in 1992, encourages birding all over the state. Some participants have reported lists from all 62 counties, and some have enough in a single county to qualify for the 200, or even 300, patch (see below). But county and state listing isn't just for the lofty high counters. It's for all who enjoy documenting their sightings this way and (just for fun) seeing how their lists stack up against others'. That said, county listing is for more than just fun—it encourages regular listing wherever you go. Birders who keep track of their sightings and submit them to local bird clubs or eBird provide information that is used to benefit birds and promote habitat conservation. Send us your state, region, and county life list totals each year!

For compilations of past reports submitted, or to submit your own report:
NYS County Listing page

   

State Life List Patches

NYSOA still offers handsome "vintage" patches for birders whose New York life list exceeds 200 or 300.

The purpose of the 200 and 300 patches is twofold: to encourage New York birders to bird their own state, and to encourage out-of-staters to come here and bird New York. We love New York; birds love New York; New York is the place to bird!
 

Anyone, member or not, can obtain a patch by spotting at least 200 or 300 species of birds in New York State. There is no time limit. Just send your check with your list of birds (you can mark them on our downloadable field checklist) to:

   NYSOA, Inc.

   P.O. Box 335
   Amityville, NY 11701

 

Only birds already on the NYSOA checklist count.

 

Alas, there is no free lunch, so a nominal fee is being charged:
 
   '200' patch: $2.00 for NYSOA members                         $3.00 for non-members

   '300' patch: $5.00 for all who qualify

                           (US funds only please)

 

 


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