For example, if you spot a bird as some distance and feel confident from the general shape and activity, is that enough - or do you have to see enough of it to be sure of the species? Does a kestrel-like bird hovering low count as a Kestrel even if you don't check it out through binoculars and see its markings clearly?
If there is any doubt, I presume we have to assume its the most common bird.
Also, from what I have seen in other postings, some people will allocate a tick to a bird which has been heard but not seen. Does this really count? (Obviously if you have seen it, the sound can be used as an identifying feature.)
It may also make sense to be stricter in allocating ticks to really new birds on the liefetime list. Annual (or monthly) lists are more statistics about the birds around than marks of personal achievement.
I am trying to stick to just those I can plainly identify from visual markings - even if this means that a large proportion of birds remain as unidentified. (I just hope the statistics will get better as I become more familiar!)
I would be interested to how others decide what makes a tick?
Alan
