[Birdtalk] off-topic

[Glenn B. Barlow]

Well, Dr. Wood.  

I am sure that some folks would agree with your example, and some would not.
It depends, I guess, on what the submitter wanted to prove, or not.  Doesn't
it?  If both persons are operating on the basis of honesty, then there
probably is not a problem.  Besides, as I understand it, there are several
people on the records committee and one of the individuals could excuse
himself/herself from making a judgment, if it became necessary.  I suppose
if that was the case, then the other members of the committee could make a
judgment.

For example (just and example), if someone new to the area claimed he/she
had seen a bird that had never been recorded in a particular location, then
I think the report has to be questioned.  Unless, of course, the individual
submits some kind of photographic evidence, or has a credible witness.

Also, as another example, while at Bear River Bird Refuge today, we saw many
dowitchers.  I wanted to find a Short-billed.  Knowing how rare they are in
this area, after I located what I thought was such a bird, I asked a person
whom I considered credible, to look at the bird and told him why I thought
it was a Short-billed Dowitcher.  It was a good thing, because after he
studied it and in his mind considered the various facts, etc., and confirmed
the sighting, then all the birds flew!  So, I added it to my list.

Do you know what evidence the person in your example has/had/might have as
evidence that he/she truly saw the bird claimed to be seen, other than the
person's own word?  A photo?  A witness?  Remember, there is a saying that
goes something like, "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall all truth
be established.

If I were you I would forget the matter and spend your time on something
more productive, whatever that might be.

For example, we heard a talk tonight by Pete Dunne on the "Art of Pishing."
Perhaps you could buy his new book with that subject, and learn to perfect
your ability to "pish," if it needs improving.

Just my thoughts.

Glenn Barlow
A Utah Birder




-----Original Message-----
From: birdtalk-bounces at utahbirds.org [mailto:birdtalk-bounces at utahbirds.org]
On Behalf Of RICHARD JILL WOOD
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 8:07 PM
To: birdtalk at utahbirds.org
Subject: [Birdtalk] off-topic

Hi all,

I've been thinking about this for quite a while now.

A person reports seeing a bird that is "rare" to an area, and he is 
"requested" to submit a report to the local records committee by a member of

said committee.  However, this person (the observer) does not know that the 
record committee will either a) reject the observer's report, or b) never 
even review it.

Is it just me, or is this rather unethical behavior on the part of the 
records committee?  And who does one go to to complain about record 
committeesand their unethical behavior?

To me, this is like submitting a grant proposal and being on the review 
committee that is reviewing the proposals.

Richard

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