For those who are tired of this thread, just skip this message and I apologize for taking up your inbox. I simply couldn't resist one more post, so please forgive a few last comments. I wanted to especially comment on a few items regarding responses to mine and Doug's posts. The two main items are:

1. Jesse is correct that we never know for certain on birds origins, though I disagree that the prior history is a revolving door. As Doug recommended, records should be submitted even if the report is diagnosed as a "origin uncertain" for now. Records aren't thrown out, they are filed for later review (archived) and if Verdin starts to show a pattern (multiple records in states at certain times of the year) then records can be revisited. However, the evidence currently for this species shows that large flights out of its range are very difficult currently, so that evidence must be considered until other evidence reveals itself. The best way to avoid "circular" patterns is to submit and let the evidence speak for itself. A "origin uncertain" just means committee doesn't have enough evidence to outweigh heavy doubts. Can we all be wrong (those who are arguing that's its difficult for a Verdin to travel such a distance), of course! And we'd all learn something new of the birds behavior, but before precedence is set, shouldn't be fairly certain? A BRC job isn't to validate somebody's personal list, but rather to examine rare and unusual records for the ornithological record.

2. This brings me to the second point, Variegated Flycatcher has been quoted a couple of times now. That species did have a recognized pattern of northward vagrancy (Maine and a couple others among the states other than just our record). To date Verdin hasn't shown this, but it might in the next twenty years. So if using examples for other species in an argument, I really can't see how variegated flycatcher fits into the discussion, Wrentit would be a much greater example for which Washington also has no records accepted (that I'm aware of) despite it being very close to the border.

Finally, on the topics that Marian posted on. I didn't see the emails to her, so it wouldn't be right for me to comment either way, however I would hope we all can have civil posting to people even if somebody does have questions on a sighting. For those that are new to submitting sightings, please consider that those in charge of questioning such things whether it be the WBRC or people asking for details for WOS News or NAB it may seem like grilling but be assured they are not trying to lessen anyone's sightings. In a lesser role I have to review sightings for the Great Backyard Bird Count and also have to frequently question new birders. We should be diligent in a review, but diplomatic. For those being reviewed, try to take a second look at the intent of the review. It might be grilling, but no malice intended (hopefully).

Off my soap box now.

Scott Downes
downess at charter.net
Yakima WA