Finally getting back to this... > Yes, in all likelihood these birds were BCNH, >almost WITHOUT a doubt- but this is where listing becomes a truly >subjective and personal pastime. It pretty much leaves it up to the >individual to make that crucial decision regarding the addition of a >species to whatever list (or lists) in question. I think Ian's right in this regard, and it doesn't conflict with what I was saying earlier. You have to i.d. the birds for yourself, but ultimately you have to be the judge of when you've seen the bird well enough to truly say that you KNOW that's what it was. Probably all of us have had situations where a good birder says "there's a so-and-so" and we see...something...but not well enough to count it. Usually we just say "oh well," but when it's a life/ state/ county/ bigday tick, it's funny how that decision gets harder to make. Mike > va_co_birding is hosted by FreeLists. To change your settings or unsubscribe, visit www.freelists.org To post to the list (subscribers only), send email to va_co_birding@xxxxxxxxxxxxx