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Subject:

Power of suggestion

From:

Bonnie Ott

Reply-To:

Bonnie Ott

Date:

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:07:58 -0500

Stan, I’m sure there is not a single birder that hasn’t had a similar circumstance. It’s so easy to see what you expect to see..... and often overlook the unusual when you are not expecting it. 

Our first LeConte’s sparrow for the county comes to mind....an experienced group of 12 birders spending 10-15 minutes observing him from close distance, discussing field marks and taking pictures. All the while expecting the Nelson’s which had been seen in the same spot the day before and passing it off as a Nelson’s. I remember walking away from the bird my mind running the “non-fitting” Nelson’s field marks through my mind but somehow it did not compute until later! A striking contrast was the second LeConte’s in a completely unexpected place (but suitable habitat) and our immediate suspicion we had THE sparrow we had all been searching for. 

I love T Edison’s quote “Chance favors the prepared mind” which I find highly applicable to birding.....study and be prepared for the rarity! 

Bonnie Ott

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