I think that if there is a common thread here between my post on Sunday re:
my missing Kentuckies and the current discussion about missing Wood Thrush,
it is that birders need to be as much aware of what birds are not present as
well as reporting the ones we do see and hear. Sometimes I think this list
becomes a bit tedious with detailed reports of what somebody saw and heard
right down to the common birds that are always everywhere. Personally I tend
to mention only the "cool birds" that I think are worth a mention. Brother
Robin does rate. There are probably six of them nesting in my yard right now
although I only know for sure of two nests.
    It would be nice if more birders added a line about what wasn't there
that they expected. Why did they expect it and why do they think it was
missing? I'm still somewhat taken aback that there were no singing male
Golden-wings at Finzel last week. Last year I heard three and saw one of
them. I fully expected that they would be there again. That place never
changes very much. I'm surprised they would show up for one year and not the
next. Didn't they like it? Has anybody else had them there this year?
    Don't be afraid to drop the names of missing birds. It may mean
something. And for the record the local Wood Thrush are doing fine. Out
there singing most nights, but not tonight. They are there and probably
nesting successfully.

Jerry Tarbell
Putting in his 2 cents in Carroll County