Hey Paula,
Don't be apologizing for the "morons with binoculars" in this
community, not online, offline, or in person. This is something these
so called birders are going to eventually have to learn how to do for
themselves, no matter how long this takes.
Paul Kane
Falls Church, VA
On Aug 12, 2006, at 5:46 PM, Paula Sullivan wrote:
Jim,
Yes, you ID'd your Hermit Thrush correctly. The Hermit Thrush is a
winter resident around here, but can be found even into early May.
Look for this beautiful thrush with a reddish tail again in October.
I'm glad most everyone you have encountered online and on a trail has
been kind and helpful. I apologize for the "bad egg" in our birding
community who tried to make you think that it was "unforgivable" to
misidentify a bird. Don't buy into that for one second. There is
only one way to learn how to bird and that is to ask questions, as
you are doing, and not be afraid to make a mistake. The worst thing
that can happen is that you allow yourself to be intimidated by
certain elements out there who think they know it all and you don't.
You started as photographer, a fine one at that, and are trying to
learn the birds as you go. I applaud you and encourage you to keep at
it.
Having met you at Monticello Park, I know you are relatively new to
the area, having lived most recently in the West. The Mid-Atlantic is
a wonderful area for birding, from the mountains to the coast. Enjoy
it all!
Paula Sullivan
Alexandria
On Aug 12, 2006, at 4:07 PM, Jim Poor wrote:
All,
Just wanted to pop up and say thanks to all those who have chimed in on my birds. .....
Most everyone has been very helpful and kind with the one exception being someone who thinks it's unforgivable that I would mis-ID a bird (OH the shame of it all).....
Thanks again
Jim
Fairfax,VA