Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!lll-winken!lll-tis!ames!oliveb!oliven!mjm
From: mjm@oliven.olivetti.com (Michael Mammoser)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Life List rules
Message-ID: <17071@oliveb.olivetti.com>
Date: 3 Mar 88 22:38:57 GMT
References: <499@picuxa.UUCP> <8981@sunybcs.UUCP>
Sender: news@oliveb.olivetti.com
Lines: 44
Summary: your choice

In article <8981@sunybcs.UUCP>, dmark@sunybcs.uucp (David Mark) writes:
> In article <499@picuxa.UUCP> gp@picuxa.UUCP (Greg Pasquariello X1190) writes:
> >While on a recent field trip with a group of birders that I don't usually
> >bird with, the subject of life lists came up.  It turns out that their
> >group will add a bird to their life lists if they simply hear it, or get
> >a glimpse of it, whereas I (and my birding buddies) will not take a bird
> >unless I get an exceptionally good look at it.  
> >
> The only real rule of life listing is, in the immortal words of Ben
> Feltner:  "It's your list!"  

	I agree that it is a matter of personal choice. In order to claim a
life bird, I must personally identify it to species using field marks. I will
take no one's "word for it". I will use vocalizations as a field mark, but I
will never claim a lifer that I don't see. I believe that vocalizations alone
are fine for a CBC or Birdathon.

> There are some subsidiary
> rules that cover birds netted (for banding) and released (not countable
> at the release site for 24 hours; 

	I had this experience with a yellow rail, which I recounted to the
net some weeks ago. While I got some excellent looks at the bird when it
was captive and as it was released, I still didn't count it. In our local
Audubon newsletter, a regional compiler told the tale of the rail and touched
upon the subject of "to count or not to count". However, he gave no personal
guidance, saying only that it was a matter of personal choice ( he didn't say
what his personal choice was ).

	I have also "delisted" birds. For example, I had listed Lesser Golden
Plover some years ago when I was just starting. Later on I realized that I
didn't do enough to eliminate Black-Bellied Plover as a possibility, so I
removed it from my life list.

	As far as listing is concerned, I say to just use your own conscience
and be honest with yourself.

	In California, winter seems to be by far the best season for birding.
The summer months seem to be the doldrums. I've had a lot of fun this winter
chasing rarities/vagrants. I'd be interested in hearing what rarities/vagrants
are being seen in other areas of the country ( or other countries ) and the
best seasons for birding there.

Good hunting,
Mike