Gene,

For one thing Fred Bird was the first president of the Washington
Ornithological Society back in 1988. He is an active, knowledgeable birder.
I must admit his name struck me as "suspect" too the first time I heard it.
But I've met the man and he is for real. I take his reports seriously.

(Apologies for the delayed message, I'm on Digest mode).

Martin Muller, Seattle
MartinMuller at email.msn.com