Hey folks,

This is just a short note to clarify my recent posting about the GOS Field Checklists. These were offered as downloadable to the public from the GOS website, but I accidentally saw that they had the statement that certain species would not be on the list because of their being extinct or nearly that. I mentioned that for some reason Bachman's Sparrow was on that list and was still a population, tho declining. I clearly stated in my posting that I suspected it was simply a typo for Bachman's Warbler. Let me say I was meaning only to be helpful.

Because of that particular posting, I have been called to task for sending that observation directly to GABO and not to Jim Flynn (the webmaster) first. By the way, this did not come from Jim. Thus, it appears that my intentions & motivations have been misconstrued by at least some members of GOS. As there may be more "out there in GABOland" thinking the same thing, I felt it only proper to clarify the message--also on GABO-- since this was my original post site. I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea about this or any future or past messages from me.

First, it was in no way intended to be a "public" criticism of either Jim Flynn or anyone who deals with the GOS Field Checklists. Having prepared many checklists & other documents myself, I know full well how despite careful checking that misspelled & other unclear information can occur, either from my end or from the printers. Personally, as I have gotten older, those little letters seem to get even smaller & harder to see.

Secondly, I'll answer the concern about why I used GABO & not a private message to Jim. I thought that since these Field Checklists had been posted for the public to read & use that there might be someone who had previously copied these lists down who might want to know the deal with the Bachman's Sparrow, especially if they weren't that familiar with it but knew that it was declining. These last few decades have seen birds going from one status to another, & it's a challenge to stay on top of things.

Since GABOites routinely provide current information of all sorts, I didn't think there would be anything wrong with me doing that in this instance. I had no idea that some would consider this inappropriate and become so concerned as to send me a separate message about it and instruct me to do otherwise in the future.

Let me say I know for a personal fact that Jim is a wonderfully responsive person and one of "our" best birding experts who is dedicated to quality in all areas. We are so lucky to have him involved in so many ways. So it wasn't a case of my thinking he didn't know the situation with Bachman's Sparrow or that I thought he might not post a notice of the correction (since we, the public, should be informed about any significant changes coming from a public website).

And the last time I looked, GABO/GOS was for everyone and not restricted to certain individuals, geographic areas, only a few key topics (except for certain traditional standard exceptions), or specialized writing styles. I can (from personal experience) see where an organization needs to have certain things funneled thru channels for a variety of reasons, but I don't think this was a "life & death" situation. We should be serious about the things that really matter.

I do think that all the above is appropriate to post here. It is a part of our "birding issues" because it comes under the area of communication between members of the birding community & misunderstandings that arise from that which might affect the reports on birds in our state. I'm not just referring to myself or any particular situation here and simply mention "see past historical occurrences" as a reference point. For a variety of reasons, there exist many undercurrents of rejection which is sad but unfortunately is not unique to GABO/GOS, etc.

So I hope that explains things a little better. Believe it or not, I don't spend my time pouring over GOS material looking for errors to maliciously point out, and I don't claim to be, or have any intentions of being, what is commonly known as a "hot shot" birder. Those aren't my motives for posting anything at any time, and I know it's the same for most others.

We simply love birds, enjoy learning all we can about them, and have fun sharing with others our adventures and observations. I will, however, personally admit to being an information junkie, map freak, and statistics nut. Which is why I can hardly walk in my house for all the books, papers, posters, etc. Oh well, such is life.

Take care everyone. Here's hoping that 2004 will be a bright new year for us in all our lives in all the ways possible and that we find our world still filled with the beauty & miracle of birds. God bless them for their wonderful variety of being.

Sincerely, Sheila Willis Waycross, Ware Co., GA

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