I want to second Ted Floyd's comments today about posting sightings of rare birds: "We can all learn a lot by discussing reports of rare birds--ideally, those backed up with excellent photos, like Becca's--reported from Colorado. It's infinitely more satisfying and educational than reading something like, "Went to Crow Valley, refound the Philly Vireo. Good Birding, --Jack Birder."
It used to be the norm that when a big rarity was posted it would be accompanied by a description that supported the identification and sometimes an accompanying photo. In recent months there have been posts that made note of a rarity sighting sometimes in a rather off-handed manner (ie, "Saw a flock of robins, oh and also saw a Carolina Parakeet"). I think that sightings that are reported without substantiating documentation are at of being dismissed by many. As Ted also noted Becca got some great photos which really helped with that difficult id. Not everyone can get photos so making good notes of field marks and confirming with good identification sources is important. Let me also congratulate Becca for having the courage to post about this bird. It can be scary and let me add that I have yet to meet a birder who did not misidentify birds, even the experts make errors sometimes. SeEtta Moss Canon City http://BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
