Hi Tweets,
Keith Brady mentioned that some folks are hesitant to
report possible rare birds, because they may stir a
"Controversy".
I say, Just Do It!

As most birders on this list will admit, we ALL have
mis-identified birds on many occasions, and I plan on
doing much more in the future. (and those of you who
Don't admit to being wrong are just fooling
yourselves, not the rest of us! ;)

I honestly believe, that if anyone on this list sees a
bird that even MIGHT be a rarity, it should be
reported immediately, with your best guess as to its
identity. This goes for local rarities as well. If I
see what I believe is a White-Winged Crossbill at
Marymoor Park, I would report it.
Now, if I don't get a real definitive look, and no one
else ever sees a WW Crossbill, I would probably talk
myself out of 'counting' it. But if I got a good
look, I will stick by my ID. And if it can be
confirmed, I think it is great. Because I have
helped others find and see a great local rarity. But
if I do not report it, then it can never get confirmed
and I will just be left wondering.
And if someone sees and reports a Leucistic Red
Crossbill, or some other bird that fits my description
but is not a WW Crossbill, then I will happily admit
that I messed up the ID (well, maybe not Happily).
I think it is great when a learning birder asks for
help ID'ing a bird. It is WAY to easy for us to sit
back, and just guess about an ID. It is always
tougher to ask for help, so I applaud anyone who has
the courage to ask, and be willing to learn.
And if I mess up an ID, I always take it as a learning
experience, and try not to make the same mistake a
second time.
On the other hand, if an 'expert' tries to talk me out
of an ID, and I saw details that do not fit, I try not
to let them talk me around. Stick to what you know
you saw. You saw it, they did not. But if you did
not see a critical feature, fess up and admit it.
That just means that the next time you try that ID,
you will KNOW what to look for ;)

I've heard too many stories about a local birder in
whom I have confidence about their abilities, who has
NOT reported a good local bird, or allowed themselves
to be shot down by a local 'expert'. It bothers the
'heck' out of me.

Birds are mobile, and can show up in the ODDEST
locations at times. If a Smith's Longspur in Marymoor
Park will not convince you, let me share a story about
finding a Sora on a bare concrete, dark corner of Fort
Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, about 100 miles from
the nearest body of fresh water...

So report your odd birds in odd places, and stick to
what you saw. But do NOT stick to what you did NOT
see, and be prepared to admit that you could be
mistaken, and that you did not note enough details to
be sure of the species. And LEARN ....

Nuff said. Apologies for the ramble ...
Guy

Guy McWethy
Renton, WA
mailto: lguy_mcw at yahoo.com


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