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If
they are within (including above) your GBS site then put them on the chart.
These quotes from The GBS Report: Accurately counting and recording bird numbers is always a problem
for almost any bird survey. ........ The GBS is based on some unrealistic
assumptions: That each observer is continually aware of the number of
individuals of each species present in their 3+ hectare area. That they are able
to pick for each species when that number reaches its maximum and that they will
record it. However, for the common species, the best that most can do is provide
an estimate of the maximum number observed at any one time. It is certainly
difficult to count the number of swifts in a large swirling flock, within a 100
metres' radius cylindrical shape of unlimited altitude.
"There is no altitude limit, and no requirement for the birds to be
'using' the area. "
"This
species is often hard to count, especially when in large flocks at a wide range
of altitudes. Counts tend to be broad estimates."
Of
course the hard part is guessing how many are within the diameter limit.
Although in the end the actual number does not matter a lot, just record an
estimate close to the truth.
As you
saw them outside your GBS and within, you could easily do two separate records
if you wish.... They wont all be the same birds.........
Philip
I first saw these while driving. They were flying over the
southern end of Eucumbene Drive and the edges of Narrabundah Hill. By the
time I got home, the bulk of them were circling over my GBS. I thought
they would hang about a bit – but they disappeared up into the clouds quickly
and although I watched for them – they did not reappear.
Some of the flock were hawking low while others circled
higher and higher into cloud . There could easily have been 350
birds. Should such a large number be entered into my GBS, or would an
incidental report be better?
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