The purpose of this document is to outline the current policy of the Buckinghamshire Bird Club regarding the distribution of information concerning rare birds in the county via the BucksBirders Email group or Message Board. Both of these facilities may be accessed this website.

Any Email group member not complying with this policy may be banned from the group.

It should not be assumed that because information relating to a certain species is published in the Buckinghamshire Bird Club’s Annual Report or Monthly Bulletin, it is the "green light" to publish similar information on the Email Group or Message Board. The time delay in publication of these other documents may well mean that any potential problems that might arise due to publication have gone away.

We are not trying to turn the Email Group or Message Board into vehicles for publication of mundane bird records. In fact we would expect very few people to feel constrained by these rules, as by definition these birds are rare in the county. If the status of any of these birds changes in the county this document may be updated.

Do not post information to the BucksBirders Email Group/Message Board where the bird/s is at a site where :-

• Access is not possible or is particularly sensitive from the landowners/neighbours point of view.
• Damage to the habitat is considered likely.
• The bird (or other birds/wildlife) is likely to be distressed by the presence of birders.

If necessary provide access details.

Never disclose the exact details of a nest site (for any species) on the BucksBirders Email group.

The rules as for Rare and Migrant/Vagrant Birds applies to all breeding birds with further restrictions for the following species :-

• Red Kite
• Hobby
• Goshawk
• Nightjar
• Long-eared Owl
• Woodlark
• Black Redstart
• Dartford Warbler

Please see below for further details.

If in doubt please seek advice from the Jim Rose or Rob Andrews. Submit all sightings to Rob Andrews (see "Who’s Who")

Postings of this species in the Spring and Summer should not relate to birds displaying or apparently holding territory.

Postings of this species should not relate to birds displaying at a specific site. It is considered acceptable to report Hobbies hunting as they may be a considerable distance from their nest site.

Postings of this species should not relate to birds displaying at a specific site or seen in suitable breeding habitat from February to July.

Details of breeding sites are not published in the Buckinghamshire Bird Club Annual Report or Monthly Bulletin and sightings should not therefore be posted on the BucksBirders Email group or Message Board.

Do not post information relating to birds giving their advertising call in the late Winter/early Spring or of breeding birds. Details of roosting birds in winter should not be published if the birds are likely to be disturbed by watching birders.

Details of breeding sites are not published in the Buckinghamshire Bird Club Annual Report or Monthly Bulletin. Therefore do not post sightings on the BucksBirders Email group or Message Board, if they refer to birds in suitable breeding habitat.

Due to the habit of this species breeding on and around buildings, it is difficult to have an all embracing rule. Particular attention should be paid to access to the site for viewing. Do not publish details on the BucksBirders Email group or Message Boards until after hatching.

Details of breeding sites are not published in the Buckinghamshire Bird Club Annual Report or Monthly Bulletin. Therefore do not post sightings on the BucksBirders Email group or Message Board, if they refer to birds on suitable breeding habitat (at any time of year).