Tweets,

I still haven't heard from the five remaining areas (which is my
fault for not phoning.) Perhaps that will put the Short-eared
Owl/Rough-legged Hawk issue into perspective; Iona/Sea, at least until
recently, had one of the highest concentrations for both these species. I
will post the results as I get them.

As for my comments around the Swainson's Thrush sighting, in light of the
recent controversy about the Great Knot, I was simply trying to be as
cautious as possible. I agree that I could have used more tact, and
apologize to anyone I offended. I would also like to point out that if 18
qualifies me to vote, leave home, and, more importantly, get into a pub
nine times out of ten, it follows that I should also have a mature sense
of responsibility and good judgement (although no one would be able to
tell it from the people elected in this country, but I digress...).
Regardless of my age, with three years of record-keeping behind me, I
should have been more sensitive. I can take a little criticism, when it's
well-deserved.

With the large influx of Hermit Thrushes this winter, a Swaison's is
certainly possible. I think they even had one reported on the Ladner
Christmas Count.

In future, as Michael suggested, I will spell species' names out instead
of using codes. I was simply trying to finish my e-mail and get out of
this prison as fast as possible. But as for using difficult-to-understand
expressions, what exactly does "non-sequitor" mean?

It's Friday, and I'm sick of doing e-mail so I'll end this here.

Kyle

PS: Thanks, Michael, for your write-up. I haven't had time to look at any
of the data yet, so it's neat to see it all done up nicely. It will be
particularly interesting to compare it to the 1970 data, compiled by Jude
Grass. Obviously, Short-eareds have decreased since then, but I didn't
realize Rough-legged numbers have dropped so much. Although that could be
just this winter, or that particular weekend. Also, Short-eared Owl
numbers are likely to be underestimated since most observers don't spend
the whole day out, missing dawn and dusk when the owls are most active.
I have also asked observers to include a habitat classification for this
last survey, which should generate some interesting information. I hope to
be able to show the importance of hedgerows, large trees, etc. as opposed
to the cranberry monocultures and greenhouse complexes that seem to be
taking over. Also, since all sightings are marked on maps, we should be
able to make even more detailed comments on raptor distribution. For all
its flaws, I am optimistic that we'll be able to get some solid data out
of this project. --KE