Hello, I had my reservations about this bird from the get-go and had expressed such to numerous folks.
I didn't tally it on my state list until recently, when I learned the records committee had accepted it.
I figured, hmmmm a 50/50 chance at best, but everyone else is counting it. So, OK I'll list it too.
I had pondered (believed) the idea that this escaped/released bird simply moved about the lake in summer time; away from the park and peering eyes of birders (do many birders even visit in summer?)
Others assumed and/or presumed the bird returned to the eastern half of our country (or somewhere else) in spring and reappeared each winter; a valid migrant.
Now with a 3 August occurrence I am personally satisfied that this bird warrants no place in any of MY lists; PERIOD.
Next on my list of doubtables is the 1995 Walla Walla River Steller's Eider; no disrespect to those who found the bird.
I believe this was the 1st Steller's found inland south of Alaska and was about a month earlier than any before it.
This occurance by itself is still absolutely plausible, we all know birds with their wings and their whacky ways and such, but then there is this reported from the scene: "the Steller's Eider swam right to us from way out on the delta. It came within 10 feet, turned broadside and slowly paraded in review".
Seems outside a wild duck's whacky ways to me. Maybe that's just me.
Please do remember I'm not just a doubter/wet blanket.
I was one of the very few...I actually know of no others, who was vociferously in favor of naturally occuring Caracaras in the Northwest long before that fact gained general acceptance.
Going by gut and other general considerations, I still put the Pink-footed Geese at Hoquim as much better than 50/50 natural vagrants... though I still don't count them......YET;o)
One last thing, never let anybody tell you that because a bird is expensive ($250), that the chances of being an escapee are slim. I breed $5000-$10,000 snakes. I don't even look for escapees under $800;o)

Keith Brady
Olympia,WA

_________________________________________________________________
Get Windows Live and get whatever you need, wherever you are. Start here.
http://www.windowslive.com/default.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Home_082008