Michael Price was the Vancouver RBA operator for my birding beginnings
also. I will never forget the first time I called in a report. It was a
juvenile Peregrine. Michael called me back, and I learned more in the next
hour about identification than I had dreamed possible. I realized that my
ability and credibility as an observer was being evaluated, but I also
realized that the intention was not to intimidate or humiliate me but to
encourage me and help me improve my skills and enjoyment.

As I occasionally called into the RBA, I soon learned that if I reported
good sightings I had better be prepared to back up the id with good
documentation. I also learned that if I did so, I could count on the
sighting being treated as reliable. (Although I've always felt that the
Red Knot I reported from Beach Grove on August 28/93 should have made the
line, Michael ;--)))

Always Michael treated me with respect and courtesy, even when pointing out
when I had gone astray or had not been thorough enough in an id. He has
always encouraged me to have confidence in my ability.

One result was that I soon realized that if a sighting was reported on the
Vancouver RBA, I could have confidence that it was reliable. And I have
always enjoyed the learning experience I have whenever I run into Michael
at the tip of the Iona jetty or wherever.

Sincere thanks, Michael.

Stan Olson
Abbotsford, BC
olson at twu.ca