List guidelines from Lee G R Evans (British Birding Association)

Hi Lee

I’ll keep this brief as I’m sure you get hundreds of emails about birding. Myself and some of my friends are debating if birds seen in London parks (and other similar locations around the UK) could be counted on our lists. I’m talking specifically about birds such as the Red crested pochard and Egyptian goose which were no doubt introduced into the park but are now, I believe, self-sustaining. Can you point us in the direction of any guidelines on such matters?

Many thanks for any advice you’re able to offer.

Best wishes

Roger

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Hi Roger

Certainly, by UK400 Club/BBA guidelines, these 'feral/introduced' birds are NOT COUNTABLE - but if their offspring leave and set up territories elsewhere and prosper, then these 'non-naturalised' populations do come under a caveat where they DO become countable (Ring-necked Parakeet, Mandarin, Red-crested Pochard, Egyptian Goose, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, all under this Category)

Best wishes

Lee G R Evans
British Birding Association
UK400 Club, Rare Birds Magazine, Ornithological Consultant and Conservationist


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Hi Lee

Many thanks for your quick response. Your advice is much appreciated.

So to clarify…would you say that birds such as the Red-crested Pochard and Egyptian Goose could not be counted if they’re seen in (for example) Bushy park (London), as even though they may be part of a self-sustaining population, they have most likely, as a species, been originally introduced into that environment? It sounds like you're pointing to the population having moved from its original location as a key factor in defining if they’re 'countable'. Is that about right?

Best wishes

Roger

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Yes Roger, your synopsis is correct; the Bushy Park birds are considered doubtful

Best wishes

Lee