What are the most common mistakes people make when they write up an unusual bird?
Some people list their qualifications, and experience with the species, but no description. Some people describe the habitat and viewing conditions, but not the bird. Some people say it looks just like the picture in the book, but include no actual description. Some explain why it cannot be a similar species without actually describing the bird they saw. Others fail to say why the bird was not something more common and yet fail to adequately describe the bird so reviewers can eliminate similar species. For example, they fail to distinguish a House Wren from Winter Wren or Marsh Wren. Still others send notes explaining why details shouldn’t be necessary. Please understand (and help others understand) that requiring details is not meant to impugn anyone’s ability or competence. Details are about quality assurace. Even the Regional Editor has to write details. Count Compilers can help by sitting down with those who are uncomfortable about writing details and write them together. A more de
