Rare Bird Alert Title Bar?

[tmanson]

Hi everyone:

The recent discovery of the Ivory Gull in Matsqui has been a great treat for all birders who have managed to see it. It's also been nice for Fraser Valley birders not to have to drive for hours, or hop a ferry to see a rare bird; ( Slaty Backed Gulls, Scarlet Tanangers, etc, excepted ).
In turn the discovery of this bird in the Valley seems to have brought this website to more birders' attention, which may lead to more birders chekcing out the Valley on a more regular basis, which may lead to more sightings of rare birds locally, etc, etc. ( kind of like the Patagonia rest stop affect in Arizona ).
Kudos to local birders, John, Stan, Len, and Gord for keeping readers of this webite alerted to the continuing status of the ivory Gull.
Because of the reporting of this bird in the local birding report section, I have purposely not reported sightings of more common local birds. The reason for doing so, is to keep the Ivory Gull reports, and updates in the " headlines " of this section. I believe this to be particularly important to birdes, who may not use this site regularly, especially " out of towners".
This rather long winded introduction is leading to a wondering out loud question, of why we don't have a title bar in Fraser Valley Birding, called something like, RBA Fraser Valley. Until we start discovering rare birds on a dalily, or even, a weekly basis, this would keep the discovery of such birds up front for all viewers.
I know there is a flashing news bar that on top of the discussion forum, and we can all click on the local birding report icon to make the link, but I am just wondering whether this is the best way.
One may ask for the definition of a rare bird, but that question is generally answered in most birding guides like National Geographic of Sibley's. In any event, I don't think anyone would quibble over the inclusion of a bird, a particular poster might consider rare.
Perhaps Fraser Valley Birding is already maxed out on the number of title bars it can have on proboards, and there may be other legitimate reasons to maintain the status quo.
Just thought I would throw the question out there, and see what others think.
Cheers, Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.

[Gord]

A good idea Thor. There is plenty of room for more sections for the forum.

I like the idea to separate the threads that focus on one bird species to keep the other areas 'clean' for general reports. Not everyone finds rare birds interesting and maybe a section gets 'overpowered' by a sudden influx in messages about one bird.

On the other hand, Ive noticed that reports on the Ivory Gull are accompanied by other sightings. Would there be concern in spreading reports out too much? Or are a couple extra messages no problem to read as well in a new section. This section would only see action when an uncommon species pops up, which is less frequent anyway as pointed out.

Certainly no objection from my end. Interested to hear what other's think. We can always give it a shot. Nothing is in stone!

[Wetlander]

I don't know if I'm a "typical user" of this site, but I tend to check out anything new since my last viewing. I wouldn't be bothered by spreading the reports out. I think Thor is on to something, because I believe we are about to be swamped by rarities!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. Gord! Now you have me looking for Smews!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tmanson]

Hi Gord, et al:

I don't want to monopolize this discussion, but your point about not everyone finding rare bird discoveries all that interesting, is one of the reasons I am suggesting a separate title bar for these kind of sightings. This way, we could keep those observations in " the headlines ", and still promote the idea that local sightings, of any kind, are really important. I know, personally, although a relatively committed " twitcher ", I still really enjoy hearing about others' local discoveries. Hopefully, others will respond to the idea, pro or con. Thanks Wetlander.
Cheers, Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.

[Gord]

Good thoughts guys.

Just to make it easier to share an opinion, Ive placed the board so one can see what it would look like.

[Dave]

Looks Great! Good suggestion, Thor, and good adjustment, Gord.

How about moving the regularly updated "Rare Bird Alert" to the "Rare Bird Alert" folder and we are good to go?

Dave

[Gord]

Dave, I like it.

Here are my thoughts, which are still open for change.

Keep the new section as displayed. I like the idea of separating threads such as the one about the Ivory Gull. Like Thor, I like local reports and I dont want people to feel that they are not welcome in light of the rare bird ones that naturally get a lot of posts in a short time frame. One thing I really enjoy is hearing about others' birding trips. Even if I dont comment on them, I read them all carefully with much delight.

Naturally, the bird alert will go here from the local reports where it currently resides. I think it will fit there better considering out of town rarities are also included in it.