This posting by Willie D'Anna on behalf of the Avid Gull Watchers is an insult to the average bird watcher. The implication is if we can't find it then it doesn't exist and this attitude is repeated many times throughout the year. Most recently in the publication of rare bird submissions accepted by the committee which in every case either had a picture attached or had been seen by one of the committee members.Anything else not acceptable regardless of the observers credentials.I have birded with some very competent local birders and am quite content to accept a Kirtland's Warbler for example if reported by one of them. This type of arrogance is counter productive and has no place in birding A Robin is fine but anything else send us a photo. The field markings requested by the Avid Gull Watchers particularly #'s 3-4 and 6 are next to impossible to obtain from the usual vantage points at Adam Beck and above the falls, particularly if the bird doesn't fly which has been my experience frequently of late. This kind of patronizing attitude we can do without. If you have something constructive to offer that's fine otherwise give me (us) a break. Peter McParland _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
