Linda Adams has the perfect suggestion for all those who find it necessary not only to correct errors of bird identification but also, meaning "no offense", to post about the perceived inadequacies of other birders; contact the person privately to offer corrections or criticisms.
When I first came to WA last fall I missed, obviously to several birders, on some sparrows. Several people contacted me personally with tips and clues on how to approach Tree Sparrow identification and other good information. It helped, and I appreciated it, and I also have more than 500 birds in the lower 48.
With the other rules of Tweeters, perhaps one that requires private responses to errors FIRST a requirement to posting SUGGESTIONS on how to avoid confusing species, banning criticisms of another's skills, would be a positive addition.

I makes me wonder whether the people who are so impatient with novice and us intermediate birders began their birding careers infallible or whether they earned infallibility by being helped by others through mistakes of their own. As a retired teacher I can affirm that one learns very well from one's errors. It's help one needs, not abuse.

Gene Lynch
Spokane


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