Why does every birder need an annotated bird list for the area?
When you are puzzled by a new bird, the sighting dates and abundance codes can eliminate a lot of choices. If you suspect you have a Philadelphia Vireo, you might look more closely at the Warbling or Red-eyed Vireo. If you are still sure you have a Philadelphia Vireo, you know you will have to document it with a photograph or a precise written description. Remember if you see a bird outside the occurrence dates, you should report it. For example, report a Bohemian Waxwing after April 15, the “last sighting” date on the list. If a bird is not on the list or is an accidental species, PLEASE report it as soon as possible so it can be confirmed. Report rare birds to LCBirds. For easy reference, one can go through their field guide and write in the status and observation dates beside the description of each bird. This makes the information more accessible.
