When people question a sighting here on MDOsprey it is generally because, in their MANY years of experience with the birds of Maryland, that sighting at that time or in that place is statistically improbable.

As Chan Robbins is fond of saying, though, "Birds have wings and they use them," so out of range or out of time birds do happen.  The point the questioners are making though is that such birds need to be carefully documented in order for them to be believable.  By pointing out the improbability of such sightings they do all of us a service by educating us about timing and range issues that all the Sibleys and NGS Guides couldn't possibly hope to cover at the sub-state level.

Obviously those who report improbable species were there and saw the bird or birds in question.  Those questioning the sighting were not.  This puts an enormous burden on the one reporting the sighting.  They have to carefully document the species being reported.  Further, they need to educate themselves in advance about what birds are to be expected where and when by using the Yellow Book, by refering to the MD/DC Records Committee review requirements, and by paying attention to comments on MDOsprey.

Every one here (including the "literati") have tripped over reporting unlikely species.  When someone suggests that more details might be appropriate, choke on your initial reaction to respond with an "I know what I saw and that's that."  Instead, defend your report with field notes, photographs, and whatever other material you have that is supportive of your claim.  If you just saw the bird in passing and didn't have the time or opportunity to fully document it, accept the fact that perhaps you don't have enough information to support the sighting and LEARN from the experience.

To inquire about purchasing a copy of the Yellow Book, write to the MOS Secretary, Janet Shields, at 

To find out more about the work of the MD/DC Records Committee and to get a copy of the current review list, go to: 
http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/rcindex.html 

Good birding to all of you! 
Norm Saunders