Learning from uncertainty and error

There has been a recent ID challenge at the Flathead Gull Sanctuary. Josh Covill and Pete Smith sighted a probable Iceland Gull. A small-billed Glaucous Gull has raised questions about the Iceland Gull identification. The important point that be gleaned from this scenario is the fact, identification mistakes or uncertainties shape us into better birders, even more than always being correct. Whether you are mistaken for a few minutes, days, or years (guilty as charged), with each error we learn why we made the mistake and I hallucinate that all of us re-double our study efforts. We crack open the books, talk to more experienced folks and make the critical mental notes for the next time. This is just as true for IDs that are in doubt. The mistaken/uncertain ID not only helps the original observer(s), but how many of us have taken a closer look at the Glaucous/Iceland Gull issue because of the degree of uncertainty and outright insane difficulty of this particular ID problem (darn gulls)? So, the bottom line is embrace the mistakes, errors, and shoulder shrugs, they give us distinction and opportunity for growth as birders.