Marc Hoffman wrote:
> Excellent point, Larry. For example, Googling "kent ponds" pulls up
> 591,000 results, the first four of which are relevant and the first of
> which leads directly to BirdWeb and a lovely article that includes
> specific directions to the site. The first result for "Montlake Fill"
> includes that address, maps, and directions.
>
> Marc Hoffman
> Kirkland, WA
> tweeters at dartfrogmedia dot com
>
That's true. We can use the Internet, guide books, call libraries, call
our Audubon offices, ask friends and even e-mail the original message
sender and ask for clarification. We'll usually find out what we're
trying to find out; but since Tweeter's is specifically set up as a
regional communication system for people who are interested in birds,
why not just make it a practice to be clearer about our reports of
sightings. The salient word for me is "regional." We get reports from
all corners of Washington with occasional contributions from Oregon,
Idaho and B.C., but especially in urban areas people from as nearby as
ten miles may not know informal local designations. I like to bird
Meadowbrook, but that designation may draw a blank even with some
birders in North Seattle, so I probably should be clear that I am
talking about Meadowbrook Park (which, I believe, the City of Seattle
designates "Meadowbrook Detention Ponds") near the intersection of 35NE
and NE 110th in Seattle.

Most of us are not ornithological professionals, but I don't see why we
shouldn't practice the professional courtesy of being clear in Tweeters
messages. Would it destroy the fun of the system?

Dale

--
Dale Chase
(AKA ravenintherain)
Seattle, Washington
ccorax at blarg.net