On Mon, 17 Mar 1997, Jerry Tangren wrote:
> It's always been that way--just more obvious now. I know I certainly won't
> report any more rare birds. With the recent reviews of the WA rare Bird
> Committee, I've seen my reportings over the years to Am. Birds essentially
> slandered without even contacting me. Think I'm going to voluntarily go
> through the process?

I've run into the same problems at times, not so much here, but when I
was younger and learning and making more blatant mistakes (now I still
make mistakes, but not so loudly). I do think
there are times when "experts" or "professionals" will not report a
sighting and it may be for the good of the bird. The Silver Creek Falls
Great Grey Owl of earlier this winter certainly caused a similar
controversy to what has been implied by the article (which I have not
re-copied).
I've also had the same feelings as Jerry above with regard to
records committees--I've been told that I mis-identified a female Common
Yellowthroat as a female Painted Bunting in print (my name wasn't
attached, as is customary with such reports from committees, but my name
was attached to the initial report for which I wrote a note and report).
This soured me for a few years.
If records are to be reviewed, as the
Washington Committee seems to be doing, some contact should be attempted
where appropriate. Someone will probably review my first-winter
Black-legged Kittiwake from 1990 or 1991 from inland (stated in AB as
Asotin but it really was in Whitman for those concerned about county
lists), or someone might submit for review my brief note on an encounter
with 2 Upland Sandpipers in Pullman 3 weeks after I arrived, when I
didn't know they were rare in Washington. But I'd hope someone would
contact me. This type of review without contact is what gives records
committees bad reputations among many in the birding community--I know
people who won't submit to committees any more due to this, and it's a
shame. I would hope the Washington COmmittee continues its work, but
hope also that they attempt to follow up where appropriate.
The schism between "professionals" and "amateurs" here seems to
be hurting more than helping with projects such as atlases, BBSs, and
other important events. Both groups should be more open to each other
and help each other; that way, all can learn.
Now I will go find a bird or two. RK
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray Korpi "A cat without hairballs is only half a cat."
Hm: Portland, OR --Ren Hoek
Wk: Clark College
Vancouver, WA
rkorpi at clark.edu