What Hotlines are all about !
Darius Ecker (dariuse@abs.net)
Fri, 9 Oct 1998 22:52:24 -0400
> The more I hear about hotlines, the more they turn my stomach. But I had
> already decided to stop reporting to them before hearing this story.
Ok, enough is enough. Here is what hotlines are about. First they're run
primarily by volunteers that are interested in passing the word on
interesting sightings to the birding community. The result is that
relocatable birds get seen by more people and some sightings get confirmed
by multiple birders. It's hard work and the birding community should be
thankful for the efforts of the volunteers that do this work. Stop
complaining about the hotlines.
If you report an unusual bird be prepared to back it with a description, and
if you really want to be believed try a photograph. Don't expect to report
a Green Kingfisher on the C & O Canal and have everyone believe you. Rare
birds do show up in unexpected locations, but it's not a common occurrence,
not something that happens every day. Be skeptical of your observations.
Skepticism breeds accuracy.
If you see an unusual bird, and you're sure of the ID, and nobody believes
you ....so what ! You still saw the bird. It's a memory to treasure. I'm
sure there isn't a birder around that hasn't had a sighting questioned at
some point. Be positive about the process. Use it to learn a tidbit or two
here and there.
Since I haven't seen a Connecticut Warbler yet this year I'll gladly take
one tomorrow morning that nobody else believes ! Ok, I'm down off my
soapbox now....
Good Birding,
Darius Ecker (dariuse@abs.net)
Columbia, Maryland USA