I don't remember where I saw it and perhaps it is just something of a "code
of honor" (and certainly nothing official), but I believe I read something
like: The first sighting for any major list should be visual.  Thereafter,
the bird can be counted if heard only.  Sounds reasonable, anyway.

Fran Saunders
Silver Spring, MD
MOS Web Site Director


-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Barry Marsh
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 8:44 AM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Chuck-will's Widow & Voice ID Life List Question

Hi,

A wonderful weekend kayak camping trip at Assateague Island National
Seashore helped me add a new bird to my life list, the Chuck-will's
Widow...I think.  The Park's list includes the Chuck-will's Widow, and,
based on another kayaking birder's ID and listening to sound files
afterward, we're pretty sure we heard them all around the Green Run
backcountry campsite through the evening hours Saturday and Sunday.  But
we never saw any.

So far, every bird on my North American life list (255 species to date) is
one I've gotten a good solid look at.  Chuck-will's Widow would be the
first I'd consider adding based on voice alone.  What is the general
feeling among birders about including in their life lists birds one has
heard but not seen?  Thanks!

Barry D. Marsh
Baltimore, MD

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