"Birds, like the weather, don't always listen to us
humans about what they are supposed to be doing. All unusual reports
irrespective of their source, deserve nonjudgmental and nonbiased
evaluation in the field if possible"
Sue and John Rogers

I absolutely agree, and open mindedness to new birders, strange reports,
and even old birders seeing the improbable is essential to keeping
birding fun.

So when someone reports unusual sightings, we should "have learned that
there is always a possibility that a bird can be where it is not usually
found at any time of the year."

But let's remember, "One such is that in Michigan right now there is a
BLACK-THROATED GREY WARBLER that doesn't belong there either. It has
been
at someone's feeder for the past several months and hundreds of birders
have
gone there to see it."

NOTE: Hundreds of birders.

The same is true of the Malawi sighting. Many people had to convince one
hard headed 'expert.'
The point is, "many" people saw the bird.

Most of us don't like nose-in-the-air experts, who won't listen or look
because they're right and that's that.
Well, the same is true of novices and amateur birding addicts.

If someone questions your sightings, prove them wrong or learn what's
right.

Sometimes that's not possible, but like the luge run in the Olympics. You
win the race over 4 runs not one.
The rare bird that only shows itself once to only one person is a rare
bird indeed.
If you see it, enjoy and let the skeptics dine on their dreams.

Now get out there and bird.

Douglas Daily, Patricia Federighi, Bargello
Northgate, Seattle, WA
mailto: dfdaily at juno.com