In the case of a claimed 1st for Britain
Ideally the bird should be seen by a number of independent people and have supporting photographs or videos. We should expect detailed independent notes from at least two of the main observers as well as seeing the photographs.
In the absence of photos, we should expect independent sets of notes from all the major observers [preferably with sketches] and sight of their field notes.
In the absence of photos, we should be wary of accepting a first when the observers do not have extensive experience of both the species claimed and confusion species.
In the absence of photos the overall experience of the observers becomes a major factor in the assessment of the record even when we are dealing with obvious species.
In the absence of photos the past track record of the observers becomes a major factor in the assessment of the record.
In the absence of anything other than a single observer [or a very closely attached group of observers – e.g. a birder and a relatively non-birding spouse], even in the presence of a photo, the previous track record of the observer MUST be taken into account.
In a single observer First supported by a photo, we should have sight of original field notes
In a single observer first supported by a photo, preferably we should be able to see some recognisable feature of the landscape in one of the photos
