Hello Tweets,

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me whether Mute Swans
are considered "listable" birds in any part of Washington. The
last issue of WOS's WASHINGTON BIRDS has it on the state list but
I'm wondering if only birds in N.W. WA are considered listable as
they are more likely to be wanderers from southern B.C.'s repro-
ducing population and birds in other areas (specifically King and
Pierce Counties) are considered more likely to be local escapes
or releases.
One of the problems in listing is not knowing whose rules
to play by, or even what the rules are. Rules from the American
Birding Association or even the official ABA list don't seem to
make it into the magazine often and Washington Birder's County
lists include a few birds which weren't on the WA Bird Records
Committee's latest list (i.e. Cordilleran Flycatcher which is
on Wa. Birders Whitman Co. list).
Any thoughts on how other listers have solved these
personal dilemmas when making up their own state or county lists
would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim Flynn
Renton, WA