Hi Folks!

I just have to chime in.  As an Old Geezer I have seen many changes.  When I 
started birding there was only one species of Dowitcher recognized by A.O.U; 
however, the more experienced birders who taught me the ropes carefully 
explained to me why there were 3 different kinds of Dowitchers in New Jersey.  Long 
before it was in any field guides, I knew the differences between Long-billed, 
and the two short-bills [hendersoni and griseus].  From my professional 
training in evolution and speciation, I have no doubt that when someone finally gets 
the data, there will be 4 species of dowitchers in North America [add the 
west coast caurinus].  

Sharp-tailed Sparrows are another fine example.  There was one species before 
and now there are two.  Again, I believe the final answer will be 4: 
Saltmarsh, Nelson's, Acadian, James Bay.

As for Canada Geese, it is possible that there will be more than two,  but I 
will not tale any bets yet.  The A.O.U. and newer fields guides are simply 
wrong:  Myrtle and Audubon's warbler are clearly different species.  The 
questions is: how will Audubon's be split [consider the Mexican birds].

There is much work on genetics that has never been dpne before because it has 
not been possible.  Look forward to changes in Fox Sparrows, Juncos, Red 
Crossbills, Willet, and some others.

I recall from an individual for whom I have a great appreciation as he 
described three kinds of baseball umpires when at the plate:

(1)  There are balls and there are strikes, and I call them as best I can.
(2)  There are balls and there are strikes, and I call them as I see them.
(3)  There are balls and there are strikes,  but they are not anything until 
I call them.

and then there are Nashville Warblers maybe even more than one)   ;-)

Good Birding!

Jim

Jim Stasz
North Beach MD