John and Tweeters,

First, let me give some context to my use of an RBA. Where I live there is
no local RBA. There is a local network of birders who keep each other
updated about "what's around". This is informal, one person has volunteered
to forward the messages to the group. The other use I make of RBA's is when
I travel; eg., when I'm in Vancouver I always phone the RBA.

What do I expect from an RBA: I expect to learn what MIGHT be around. I do
not expect that reported sightings will have already been confirmed. If they
are confirmed sightings, I would like to know that. I am looking for
interesting birds, not just the rare.

I do not expect directions to identifiable locations. I expect to own a
local guide and a local map. But the sign posts given have to be more
detailed than "a Crested Myna was seen in Richmond". So something like "the
east end of Jericho Beach" is helpful. I doubt I would ever be brazen enough
to phone someone for directions unless specifically invited to do so.

Somehow, I think it is the responsibility of the birders to keep the RBA
informed about the continued presence of a bird. I guess the hard part of
that is to get people to report that they chased a bird and it wasn't there.
Maybe a message about appreciating phone backs about certain birds could be
added to the intro of an RBA.

What is the minimal level of service? Somehow the discussion of this topic
has gotten out of hand. The level of service is dependent upon the level of
support from birders, especially the local birders.

What is the role of the RBA operator? I don't think the operator should
perform any screening function. That's the job of a Rarities Committee. From
an RBA I want to know where to look. If I chase a Great Knot and only find a
Red Knot, so what. However, as confirmation or the lack thereof becomes
available, it needs to be reported. Again, this is the responsibility of all
the involved birders; certainly not just the RBA operator. An invitation to
callers to play a role in the validity and currency of the RBA messages
might help.

I don't know if the original sighters name and phone number should be given
out.

For what it's worth
Gail Spitler
Johnsons Landing, BC
gspitler at wkpowerlink.com