Hi Anyone interested in this thread,
So I was just looking at the latest OR birds and was referred to Paul
Sullivan’s most excellent bird listing site on the OR Birding Association
web-site after for the 2019 lists. Thanks Paul!
I have always thought it interesting that people have lists but there are
no sideboards for these lists? Mostly I hear your list is whatever you want
to include on it- right?
So I just thought I’d throw out this. On my large Coos list, now at 360,
there is not a single review species that was not accepted by OBRC. I guess
this is my criteria, I wonder how other birders handle this? That is to say
if OBRC didn’t accept my report it ain’t on my list. Seems like a
reasonable sideboard to me? Same with my county list. Mostly as I get older
finding my own birds is what makes me happy- I think that is what happens
with most long time birders. During my Coos big year where I had the most
birds in the county I didn’t even go on a single pelagic, imagine that?!
Just makes me think that comparing lists is a really “unregulated” thing
for sure. Many of the big listers do not even find their own birds. Would
be interesting to some day see lists of birds actually found only by the
bird lister, the true measure of skill if anyone is really interested in
that? The amazing bird guides out there would suddenly have more birds than
the wealthy clientele they take out- ha!
As for year list, county list, etc. it would seem one would have to have
some sideboards right? Maybe some would say no dang way, but if your
amazing rarity was seen by no one else and OBRC didn’t except it, maybe it
is better left as one that got away?
Just throwing out some ideas. I think the real big list champions should be
those who find the most birds on their own on a county, state, country
and/or world level without help. Of course that would mean that many bird
listers would have to figure it out on their own. Bad me- that will never
happen!
Sorry for my inconsideration, must have been cooped up to long?
Merry birding in whatever form appeals to you!
Tim Rodenkirk
Coos Bay
