Hi Tweeters & Inland NW Birders -


Saturday,October 25, 2014, the Washington Bird Records Committee met at the Slater Museum for its annual meeting.



42 reports were accepted as valid records

17 reports were not accepted

1 decision was tabled for further research

2 reports were categorized as 'historic, unreviewable'



The WBRC reviewed and accepted a 2002 report of "Woodhouse's" Western Scrub-Jay, a new subspecies for the state (a likely soon to become a full species in its own right).



In addition, the WBRC reviewed the two earlier state records of Shy Albatross. In the wake of the recent spit of Shy Albatross into three species, both Washington records were accepted as belonging in the White-capped Albatross group.



Scripps's Murrelet was removed from the WBRC review list, having shown themselves to be regular visitors off-shore in the state.



Cattle Egret was placed back onto the WBRC review list given the few reports over the past decade.



The results of this round's votes can be found at the following link on the WOS website:

http://wos.org/wbrcfall2014.html


In other WBRC news, Bill Tweit rotated off the committee at the conclusion of this meeting. Dave Slager has joined the WBRC as a new member.

Updates to the state list, review list and master checklist on line will be completed before long and posted.



I welcome any questions about the status of past decisions or any new report submissions,

Matt Bartels
Secretary, WBRC
Seattle, WA