|
|
Post by Ben on Jul 14, 2023 22:03:02 GMT -8
Back when Jon and I were in 100 Mile House we learned about the "probable list" from Paul - birds that you see that are almost certainly X, but you can't tell for certain. Personally, I can't stand the probable list... For example, today four birds flew over my house. Almost certain they were whimbrel, but just not close enough (and no bins on me) to make sure they weren't something else... Real tough. :/ Edit: I'm curious what regrettable moments others have had in terms of probable "good birds" that were just missed  |
|
|
|
Post by nickinthegarden on Jul 15, 2023 4:06:43 GMT -8
Years ago I use to drive the highway between South Vancouver and White Rock and it use to drive me crazy to see birds perched on fences and posts and not be able to see exactly what they were at 100 km/hr. In my mind they were exotic raptors and migrants more likely they were Red-tailed Hawks and Starlings. It still happens now in the valley but since my vision sucks, I try to focus as I should more on the road and leave the birding to when I get to my location.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris on Jul 17, 2023 16:40:24 GMT -8
Years ago I had a probable Yellow-billed Loon on Harrison Lake. I had a brief view of it but it dove and I couldn't locate it. Fog was coming in and I never did confirm the sighting.
The frustrating thing about 'these' types of sightings is you would like to know what the species was. The unknown is a bit frustrating.
|
|
|
|
Post by Randy on Jul 17, 2023 18:50:39 GMT -8
Gord is sick of hearing this story from me but too bad because this thread has invited me to lament it again! A couple years ago in the fall I was looking out my kitchen window and a bird flew in with 2 robins and began eating mountain ash berries. Immediately I was thinking "what on earth is that?". Smaller than the robins and much more striking facial pattern. In addition much more peach-coloured flanks. Within about 10 seconds it flew away. I had no idea what it was at the time other than a thrush and ultimately after some research I was sure it was an eye-browed thrush resembling this photo: cdn.download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/158664951/1800I spent an hour combing my property to relocate it but I couldn't. So frustrating! |
|
|
|
Post by Randy on Jul 17, 2023 20:40:47 GMT -8
Years ago I use to drive the highway between South Vancouver and White Rock and it use to drive me crazy to see birds perched on fences and posts and not be able to see exactly what they were at 100 km/hr. In my mind they were exotic raptors and migrants more likely they were Red-tailed Hawks and Starlings. It still happens now in the valley but since my vision sucks, I try to focus as I should more on the road and leave the birding to when I get to my location. Well we'd better get your vision sharpened up then!!  |
|
