Gentle birders, Being an intermediate level birder, I understand that saying "all of them" is not only irritating, but entirely misses the point. On the other hand, to me, a good bird could be one I really enjoy seeing, no matter how common (Eastern Bluebirds and Chickadees come to mind). A good bird could be one I have not seen yet this year, or in this location, even though they are expected or regular species. A good bird could be a common one needed to fill out a days list. (e.g, Gee, I haven't seen a Hairy Woodpecker yet today - I know this happens to me at Xmas bird count time) Heck, when I'm downtown, seeing rock pigeons and House sparrows brightens my day.
Generally speaking, I would say seeing a bird not normally expected in the habitat/season could be a good bird without it having to be a Casual or accidental species, though of course they are really good birds. And obviously, any lifer is a good bird as well. Pastor Al, you sure have a way of getting (good bird) conversations going. It's great to have you on the listserv. Jim in S. Mpls. "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Understanding is not enough; we must do. Knowing and understanding in action make for honor. And honor is the heart of wisdom." --Johann von Goethe >From: "Pastor Al" <[email protected]> >To: <[email protected]>, ><[email protected]>,<[email protected]>, ><[email protected]> >Subject: [mnbird] Good Bird Questions >Date: Fri, 22 Oct 2004 14:28:43 -0500 > >What's the first question that an incoming birder asks you as you're >leaving?: > >"Any good birds?" > >How does one answer that question? "They're all good" sounds >sanctimonious. >Sharing your best bird from the location leaves you open to subtle scorn or >a game of one-uppance (you can see it in their eyes, "is that all"?). >Replying with a question may only delay the inevitable. > >So, this leads me to two highly philosophical questions on this rainy >afternoon (while stapling membership applications together): > >* In your opinion, what constitutes a good bird? > >* How do you answer the question? > >Al Schirmacher >Princeton, MN >Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties >[email protected] > >(55 Bonapartes on a sewage pond were my best birds over lunch hour - but >are >they "good" birds?) > >_______________________________________________ >mnbird mailing list >[email protected] >http://www.mnbird.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mnbird
