Simon Wates
Well-known member
Maybe this example may capture the essence of the distinction between the two:
Birdwatcher finds a bird in October in the UK - gets a good look and thinks its a flycatcher (maybe!) and then hopefully works out its a Red-breasted Flycatcher but is not totally sure. Mentions it casually to someone they meet in a couple of days.
The same bird seen well by a birder (who would be well aware of the potential of scarce birds in Oct) would quickly scrutinise the colour of the upper tail coverts etc. to see if it was in fact a Taiga Flycatcher - if it was, then (big!) news would be put out straight away by phone or social media (once the birder gets over the shaking ). If it was a Red-breasted Flycatcher they would be sure and quickly put the news out locally as many would like to know.
The above is not a criticism of birdwatchers at all - we all love our nature! :t:
NB; a birder is not only interested in rarer species by any means!
Birdwatcher finds a bird in October in the UK - gets a good look and thinks its a flycatcher (maybe!) and then hopefully works out its a Red-breasted Flycatcher but is not totally sure. Mentions it casually to someone they meet in a couple of days.
The same bird seen well by a birder (who would be well aware of the potential of scarce birds in Oct) would quickly scrutinise the colour of the upper tail coverts etc. to see if it was in fact a Taiga Flycatcher - if it was, then (big!) news would be put out straight away by phone or social media (once the birder gets over the shaking ). If it was a Red-breasted Flycatcher they would be sure and quickly put the news out locally as many would like to know.
The above is not a criticism of birdwatchers at all - we all love our nature! :t:
NB; a birder is not only interested in rarer species by any means!
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