>From Russell Rogers, Seattle WA, rrogers at halcyon.com

Fellow birders,

We should all pause for a moment and consider poor Burts condition. IT
COULD HAPPEN TO ANY OF US! What Burt is suffering from is a strange, but
not uncommon condition, called _Pyscojinxcus anitiavesus_. The disorder
is described in full in my 1976 paper in the Medical Journal of Birding
Disorders (34:234-239).

In short, this is what happens. An active birder targets a species that
they really want to see for any number of reasons. The most common
catalyst is a bird that possesses strange plumage characteristics for its
family, and seeing it involves considerable time and expense. After making
anywhere from 5 to 10 trips to observe the targeted bird an not seeing
it, the birder starts to imagine conspiracy plots against them. In my
paper, I cite a case study of a South Carolina birder whos efforts to see
Atlantic Puffins. This person who I'll call, Tim, started to think that
all Puffins are actually paper cut outs and birders had been tricked into
thinking that they had seen Puffins by the uses of a complex system of
mirrors.

Treatment for this disorder involves extensive therapy and a large doses
of coffee and Scotch, preferably, a good single malt at least 15 years
old.

Burt, remember, there is help for you and we all care. Call Birding
disorder hot line (1-800-SIC-BIRD). They will get you started with your
treatment.


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Russell Rogers
4510 Glenn Way SW
Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 935-6280
rrogers at halcyon.com
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