> .... Anyways I would be interested in tweets sharing their New Years
>birding stories.
>
I'll take that as an invitation to quit lurking in the shadows and join in
on the conversation .... My first sighting of 97 was an American Dipper
I've been trying to ID at a rushing creek. Caught sight of its brown hood,
plump body and short tail as it bobbed in and out of the creek, but don't
know if male/female. I haven't yet heard anybody mention these, nor have I
seen them on any CBCs ... anybody else seeing them?

A newcomer's question, too: is it time for me to buy a new guide, or is
there another name for a Spotted Towhee (not listed in my Audobon Field
Guide)? Are these the same as Rufous Sided?

Also, does anybody have any advice on how to tell Greater from Lesser
Scaup? I see a group pretty regularly, with many males & females, but I
feel wholly incapable of declaring "greater" or "lesser". Thanks so much
for any advice.


Kristin MacMorran
Kelowna BC Canada
kmacmorr at awinc.com