Treatment of sightings not accepted to single species 
Records accepted to the generic level (for example, Selasphorus hum¬ 
mingbird sp.) will now be reported in the 'Accepted Records' portion of 
the NYSARC annual report together with the observer's name(s). 
Hopefully in these cases, a short explanation of the identification prob¬ 
lems involved will be also be provided, 
WORK IN PROGRESS 
A number of other changes are still being evaluated. The list includes 
American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Ross's Goose {Chen 
rossii ), Azure Gallinule {Porphyrula flavirostris), Thayer's Gull (Larus thay- 
eri), Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow {Ammodramus nelsoni) and non¬ 
coastal reports of Northern Gannet {Morus bassanus ), Black-headed Gull 
{Larus ridibundus), Least Tern {Sterna albifrons). 
As some readers will have noticed, Azure Gallinule was recently 
deleted from the American Birding Association Checklist on the basis of 
unnatural origins (Dunn et al., 1999 Birding 31: 518-524). Currently, 
NYSARC is conducting its own independent investigation of this sensi¬ 
tive case and would appreciate any new information about the possible 
origins of the one New York record. We should stress that the identifica¬ 
tion itself is not in question. All communications will be held in strict con¬ 
fidence. 
We encourage all observers to submit detailed documentation of any 
species or form listed on the NYSARC review list. The review list is 
meant only as a guideline and under certain circumstances, reports of 
species not included on the list will be reviewed. Such cases must be 
accompanied by a cover letter explaining why the record should be 
examined by NYSARC. A simple example of this category, would be rare 
wintering records of common breeding species, especially those in which 
less common species need to be rigorously eliminated. Announcements 
of additional changes to the NYSARC review list will appear in future 
issues of The Kingbird. 
Respectfully, 
Kenneth P. Able Kevin J. McGowan 
Robert F. Andrle Robert O, Paxton 
Thomas W. Burke Angus Wilson (Chairman) 
Willie D'Anna 
The Kingbird 2000 March; 50(1) 
29 
