----- Original Message -----
From: Wilson E Cady <gorgebirds at juno.com>
To: <mteesdale at hotmail.com>
Cc: <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Saturday, October 02, 1999 12:46 AM
Subject: Re: Lists and Larks


>> On Fri, 01 Oct 1999 11:41:48 PDT "Mary Teesdale" <mteesdale at hotmail.com>
writes: in part:
Perhaps we should just mention the highlights (a few of the best species,
interesting behavior observed, unusual numbers, possibly it's important if a
common species wasn't seen, and a mention of total species observed, etc),
and leave off the common birds. We could send the complete lists somewhere
else to an accessible list archive. (Please, no offense to the many list
contributors, I'd be happy to help you make one sometime or to send you some
of mine. ;) <<

> On Saturday, October 02, 1999 12:46 AM "Wilson E Cady "
<gorgebirds at juno.com> writes: in part:
"Best species" is relative to the area you are birding. <

Wilson had MANY good points - I just wanted to stress one thing here. Not
everyone on this list would agree about what would be the "best species" on
any given day. To my Mom seeing a Bald Eagle or two would qualify (being
from the east side) and to me, during the winter, I rarely mention seeing
them. To me a Merlin is certainly worth mentioning but I know other people
who've seen them on outings and just lump them in a "nothing unusual" or
"along with the normal birds" comment. I think Harlequin Ducks are
wonderful but they may not make MY best species list, depending on what else
was seen. Anyway, I'm sure you all have gotten my point . . .

Good birding,
Laurinda
Mountlake Terrace
(just north of Seattle)
RindaA at worldnet.att.net