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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mark Lew1s" data-source="post: 1567968" data-attributes="member: 63888">Hi Kev, If they were certain that this was a tengmalms owl then you should urge them to try and make some sort of recording if they hear it again. You're right, rares do have to pop up somewhere - and more and more rare birds are being found by a much more enlightened non-birdy public - but for the record to be documented there would have to be some sort of evidence, and with the greatest respect to the people involved, I don't think a written description from a non birder would cut it. It's a process we all have to go through when we're lucky enough to find a rare bird.As for those in 'authority' discounting records - well, I can kind of see where they're coming from. It only takes a quick look at the ID forum here to see how often non and beginner birders make mistakes with relatively common and straightforward birds such as stonechat or reed bunting. With something as mega rare as tengmalms owl (last accepted record in 1985 or something like that) I think it's understandable that it was viewed with a bit of scepticism. I don't think jealousy comes into it. But if you could get your hands on a recording that proves your friends were right all along......Then we can start talking about jealousy!!Mark</blockquote>