>From Keith Arnold's ORNITH-L post (3/17 1:48):
> As the originator and long-time member of the Texas Bird
> Records Committee, I can assure you that we all face the same
> problems in obtaining sufficient documentation. Most birders simply
> won't take the time to write up their findings.

>From Jerry Tangren's Tweeters post (3/17 1:20):
> 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?

The Washington Bird Records Committee is an all-volunteer group with eight
members who recently have managed to meet twice per year to review bird records
going back more than a century. They admit taking a conservative approach to
accepting records.
I wish I had lots of experience reporting rare birds to committees, but I'm
afraid I just don't run into rarities the way some people do. I know that on
the occasions I have written up a report, I have generally done a poor job.
It's HARD to write detailed descriptions of plumage and behavior. And sketches?
Photographs? Besides, I wouldn't report the bird if I didn't KNOW what I saw!
I'm not assuming Jerry's attitude echoes mine, but I believe records
committees are all too familiar with the pattern. Yes, perhaps they should be
more responsive. But if they fail on that front, I am willing to swallow my
pride and strive toward making a rock-solid case for my next rare sighting,
rather than reject the system altogether.
--
Scott Richardson
northeast Seattle
salix at halcyon.com
http://www.halcyon.com/salix/