Subject: A Challenge
Date: Aug 20 15:56:07 1999
From: Ted Kenefick - TedK at zeco.com


Hello,

I am new to this list and I hesitate even to post this comment, but I am
posting it as a challenge to birders in Washington in general and
specifically to members of this list. Judging by the frequently
acerbic, often venomous tone of the list, I expect that it may cause
some controversy.

I lived in Oregon for several years, subscribed to OBOL (Oregon Birders
On-Line) and saw many great birds. I often wondered why so few rarities
were found in Washington while so many were found in Oregon. While
there are of course many significant environmental reasons for this,
i.e. latitude, migration routes, habitat variations etc. I have realized
after subscribing to this list for about a month that another reason is
that Washington birders (this means us, tweeters) spend precious little
time in the field and far too much time ranting and raving about cats
and religion. Perhaps we should step away from our keyboards especially
as the fall migration begins to heat up and travel about the state
finding not only those first-state records but also learning so much
more about the "common" birds. People like Ruth and Patrick Sullivan,
Steve Mlodinow, Andy Stepniewski and countless others should be
congratulated on their untiring efforts in the field. We should look to
these people as an example. While I certainly understand that getting
out in the wilds is not always possible due to other responsibilities,
financial considerations, transportation limitations etc., even a little
time spent at a nearby location can be immensely rewarding.

I have heard it said that the reason so few rarities are found in
Washington is because Washington birders "actually have to go birding to
find birds." Sure it is a snide comment. Well, I hate to say it but
that is the perception out there. Let's erase it.

Thank You for Listening.
Ted Kenefick

p.s. I will be at Ocean Shores and other coastal areas this weekend; I
hope to see you out there.