Teesmouth Bird Club

Could anybody tell me why the recent snow goose has not been accepted.Is it because its with Canada geese rather than true wild pink-footed geese.The red-breasted goose juv that was seen at scaling was not accepted,but the same bird that was at Caerlaverock was accepted by BBR commitee.There were Eagle owls that bred for 10 years at a site in North Yorkshire that aren't accepted on the British list,yet ring-necked parakeets in Hartlepool and mandarin ducks are accepted.The Eagle owls in North Yorkshire was in my mind were more wild and natural than the previous two birds and no one knows for sure of their origin.I am not trying to be controversial but just asking questions?I have not added Eagle owl to my uk list but I think we should.

I must say that I completely agree with Peter and we have in fact discussed these issues when we have been out birding together.RE the Snow Goose. Just because it is with a group of Canada's doesn't mean it didn't drop in with something else which simply left without it, who saw it come in? Does it have a sign on it's back saying "escapee"?There were four Snow Geese on Saltholme on 15th Oct 2011. (Cleveland Bird Report 2011)  There seems to be conflicting criteria as to wether a bird is accepted or not ( Mandarins used to be kept in Darlington South park, Cockatiels have a colony on Wimbledon Common, Newton Aycliffe pet shop sells Ringnecked Parakeets, my dad used to breed Egyptian Geese ). If I needed Snow Goose then I would tick this bird.

Hi Peter

I think the current BOU Categories are AC2E for Snow Goose. There are two main areas where the feral birds are found - Scotland and Hampshire. The Scottish population mainly around Mull, Coll and Argyll and in Hampshire, Stratfield Saye. This population is thought to be decreasing and may not always be considered self-sustaining. We'll need to keep an eye on RBBP.

I think a 1W bird amongst Pinkfeet or Barnacles at the right time of year for migration, in Norfolk or Lancashire for example would have a better chance of acceptance.

With regard to other species the two that surprise me for not being tickable are perhaps Muscovy Duck and Monk Parakeet, considering Lady A etc. still are.

Cheers
James

This topic could go on forever,but there are inconsistencies as to what a person can or can't tick.Ruddy duck was kept in collections and escaped but can be ticked,Bar headed geese are found in the Himalayas and also breed in Holland but you can't tick them.From time to time exotic species turn up at Saltholme and Scaling Dam.Escapees or not,people including myself will rush over to see that bird in the hope of it being genuine.At the end of the day,if someone wants to include any of these birds on their lists it's up to them and its all about enjoying whatever we see.

Well said Peter. When it all comes to all its up to the individual, its his/her list. If a White Stork or a Crane etc is seen then everyone goes Bananas to get a view, despite the fact that they are kept in Safari Parks and Stately homes all around the country and some will undoubtedly escape. Its all irrelevant. Just enjoy what you see n tick it if you wish, it's your list. I can remember the Dalmation Pelican at Warkworth, Northumberland in the seventies. People in the town made a business of it and nobody knew where it came from. Ho Hum.

I dont think anyone official has said the Snow Goose has not been accepted. I would be very surprised if it had even been discussed yet. All I have seen is the opinion of one individual who often disagrees with the local committee.

I would not be surprised if the TBC Rarities committee accepts it as I think they normally apply 'innocent until proved guilty' to none national rarity ducks and geese as it is just so hard to pick out the genuine wild birds. With national rarities they just follow what the national BBRC committee says.

PS Im nothing to do with the committee but I think people need to think for themselves rather than just following others views as gospel (although they may with to take those views into consideration)

Apologies for resurrecting an old topic but I wondered if the TBCRSC had made a decision on this bird yet and if not when it could be expected?

Ian