Rick Romea wrote:

> My impression is that the professionals
> (like Dennis Paulson) believe that chasing rare birds has very little
> to do with ornithology or natural history at all, and is some kind of
> only marginally related 'sport'

Exactly. Years ago, Peterson mentioned one ornithologist who referred to
it as ornithogolfing. It's always exciting to see new birds or other
animals, but if your only interest is in getting a longer list you might
as well take up stamp or Barbie doll collecting. These are fascinating
living creatures, and the challenge is to identify them, enjoy their
beauty, learn about their lives, and stop people from destroying them and
their habitats.

Burt Guttman guttmanb at elwha.evergreen.edu
The Evergreen State College Voice: 360-866-6000, x. 6755
Olympia, WA 98505 FAX: 360-866-6794