Mistakes, flubs, and other stomach-turners
Ellen Paul (epaul@dclink.com)
Wed, 23 Sep 1998 06:11:40 -0400
I have found that I do much better on my own because, while I don't have
the advantage of many pairs of eyes finding the birds, I am much more
relaxed, find more birds myself, and have an easier time identifying
them. When I am around others, I freeze up. On my first out-of-country
trip, this was a real problem. My husband (much better birder) was
anxious that I see everything (not easy to do in the tropics to start
out with) and the more energetically he tried to get me to see every
bird, the more I missed. Only after a blow-up did he finally leave me
alone. And from that point on, I didn't dip on a single bird. Even
found a few before him (want to know what they were?...I'll never let
him forget them....!) and even saw one that he dipped on . BOOTED
RACKETTAIL!!!!!!
For years, I have been meaning to really WORK on my id skills, rather
than just "winging it." Life has interfered with those plans. Now,
this winter looks very promising - with Thayer's, every field guide, and
a library full of books, plus two sets of sound recordings. But, with
regard to gulls, I still say its spinach and I still won't eat it.
I find that there are some extremely skilled birders who share their
knowledge and for them I am grateful, but most are highly competitive
and gloat when you make an error. For them, I practice avoidance. I'm
out there because I love seeing the birds and if I don't get an ID
quickly, or don't nail it down until getting home and consulting the
various authorities, well, so be it. That's how I learn.
I've also found that my first impression is right 95% of the time, and
unless I get unusually good and/or long views (or hear the song), I
probably won't ever be able to tease apart the empids, catch every fall
warbler in bad light, and so on.
Just my .02.
Ellen Paul
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Ellen Paul Chevy Chase,MD mailto:epaul@dclink.com