Little Gull - West Point Dam (James F. Flynn Jr.)		 One of the most important functions of the Georgia Ornithological Society is to encourage observers to document their sightings and then to serve as a clearinghouse for documenting the occurrence and status of all wild birds in the State.  This function is the main duty of the Checklist and Records Committee.

Committee members review the evidence provided with each record, with an eye to documenting the status of each species reported from within Georgia.  All records provided to the Committee are seriously considered and ultimately voted upon to determine whether or not to accept the record.  Firm evidence may include specimens, photographs, tape recordings, and written descriptions.  You will be notified promptly of the Committee's decision and the complete file will be archived at the University of Georgia and available for future use.

Species reported from Georgia may be placed on one of three lists, together making up the Official State List:
  • The Regular List serves as the main list where firm documentation is established for species occurring in Georgia.
  • The Provisional List includes those species reasonably well-documented, but without firm (specimen, photograph, etc.) evidence, as occurring in Georgia.
  • The Hypothetical List includes species reported with unclear origin or unsubstantiated identification.  Records for species listed on the Hypothetical List still serve important functions, as future acceptable records may require reevaluation of these past records to best interpret the increasing occurrence of certain species in Georgia over time.

Birders are encouraged to submit their rare bird sightings to the Checklist and Records Committee.  Please use one of the following forms to submit your sighting:


South Polar Skua -Jekyll I. (Giff Beaton)

Harris's Sparrow - Chattahoochee Nature Center (Pierre Howard)

Northern Wheatear - Jekyll I. (Jan Pitman)