Two days ago I came across a Bell's Vireo North of Little Falls in Belle Prairie Park. I took notes, checked books, went on the net, drew pictures (being and artist and art teacher) , researched habitat, matched the sound to my Stoke's cd and found out the bird has never been reported in Morrison County. My problem is I was alone and have a very good digital camera, but, because of a knee injury it was to much to take with. This was my last ho rah for awhile because the next morning I went in for knee surgery. But, its been good because reading the postings from Al, Mike, and Steve about reporting, reports not being accepted, and those bad Good Ole Boys or Girls Club members, that seem to be a nemesis to some bird reporters, has been very educational. I think all of us have been frustrated at one time because we felt we weren't taken seriously by a committee or so called elite birder. Even the best birders in the state can attest to this. I liked Mike's response saying: “Who are these so called Good Old Boys and I would sure like to meet them". The fact is, like Steve Weston, I have been rejected by the MOU Committee on several occasions when I was sure I saw a rare bird and I am thankful we have a serious committee that requires in depth authentication. This makes the MOU more reputable and makes me more accountable. Don't stop reporting. There are some very good reports about rare birds being in abnormal areas (Blue Grosbeak and Yellow Throated Warbler in Duluth area) which still haven't been substantiated, but, the more people who see them adds to the validity. In my case I called upon a few birders from my circle and I hope they find the bird which would make the report more credible. Beyond this,there's to much to learn from people like Jeannie Jopru, Bob Jansen, Denny & Barb Martin, Laura Coble, Richard Wood, Milt Blomberg, Herb Dingman, Ron Erpelding, Carol Nimlos, Kim, Mike, Steve, Peder and the list goes on, to let political ho hum and hurt feelings get in the way of a passion we all enjoy. So buck it up and move on, because you are all very important to the world of birding, even if your sightings are not accepted in a book. Just seeing the report on the net and running down the location has proved to be very fruitful, even if I didn't find the bird when I got there. So good birding, good relationships, and I hope my Belle's may be authenticated some day
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