Date: 5/15/25 7:17 am From: Robert Ross <plumisl...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] Reactions to Backyard Bird Lists
On occasion, I have posted a list of species located in my backyard. These lists portend a consistent reaction from some, and I want to address it, please.
There are several purposes for sharing these lists. Not in any order, these include my excitement over a focus on discovering whether birding in my backyard can be as rewarding as traveling, as I am getting older and find my time to bird decreasing, to encourage others to attempt the same, to promote the identification of birds they find around their home, and to inform the larger community these species are present in my area.
I administrate a Facebook group, Wild Birds of Plum Island Group. We have over 6,200 members from 13 countries. This is not the largest FB group for Massachusetts birders to join, as it is concentrated only around the Merrimack and Parker River watersheds, the Great Marsh, and the ocean front. Original photographs are required for every post. It is a fun group with some amazing photographers. I thank them all!
That group was created for the same purposes as the backyard bird lists are presented on this listserv. It is an attempt to create, recognize, and promote a community approach to birding, among those who locate, ID, and photograph (not always in that order), species they want to share. Share is the keyword.
Inevitably, when I post my backyard bird lists, a few will respond with skepticism, an odd sense of ownership of information, and a general attitude questioning my honesty. Frankly, these replies indicate the point has been missed.
While it is reasonable for anyone to be skeptical from a scientific point of view, if one does not hold such credentials or is merely an amateur, there is no credibility in such inquiries. Perhaps I should say, I recognize none. For whatever reason, some feel the need to assert this skepticism if anyone dares to offer sightings they have not experienced, have not shared in, or for reasons that are likely their own, cannot duplicate.
Birding should not be a competitive sport. It's merely a hobby, and one that can be enjoyed by all regardless of age, education level, physical abilities, and without restrictions.
As Roger Tory Peterson, a mentor to many of us old school birders, once wrote (paraphrase), "Do not worry about misidentifying a bird. I have misidentified many. This is how we learn." It is unfortunate that some have to assert themselves into the ID process without invitation. I am not sure why they must, but the ones who complain and question such posts here are consistent, at least.
I am confident in the accuracy of what I post here. I have no intention of questioning myself at another's suggestion, especially someone I do not know personally. To do so would be to accept motivations I cannot imagine.
I urge all birders, of every age, to ignore such people. Someone once told me, "9 out of 10 people will tell you 'No.' Those 9 do not matter." This is an important concept. Naysayers and deniers are lazy. Just think--instead of going after someone pointlessly, they could be out birding!
