Posted by Paul on December 09, 2003 at 22:22:01:
In Reply to: Re: Counter-point posted by Robin Diaz on December 09, 2003 at 18:17:31:
John makes good arguements for BB Plover. You seem to suggest NAGP is not all that unknown in this area and that brown/taupe is typical color. Does that imply you would record this bird as NAGP? Short of shooting the bird and checking the DNA, what would you record if this view was the only look you got? And how does that work: in a group of three or more is the majority rules the answer and do we learn to live with uncertainty and a fair amount of mystery?
From John's kind responses both public and private it is my growing opinion that reference books are limited, colors sometimes not always true, and beaks often not the right length. With such aids of marginal support on difficult idents doesn't a person turn to either "My view" or the support of a trusted "field companion". And what does that leave you with but just a more comfortable uncertainty.
At least the Vermilion flycatcher was a certainty. I think. Maybe.