I decided to go over my list to check for some things. First thing I decided to do was eliminate anything that I had not seen on two separate occasions, did not have photographic evidence for. I left a few on that I had one sighting if I had seen them in a group or with someone who had experience with the bird.
Next I was still struggling with some taxonomy issues. I have had a few disagreements with some AOU decisions over the years in the subspecies v species arguement. I fear I know too much sometimes. Stupid biology degrees. Instead of taking the time now to review all the evidence I can get my hands on I decided to count only genera towards what I consider my "life list" thinking this will be safer and more constant, though species and subspecies, if possible or needed, are still noted in my documentation.
The result? 247 genera. Ouch, my list over half gone. Oh well, it is more fun this way. Two times this summer the excitement of a lifer was quelled by finding I had seen one so briefly I could not remember, bummer that.
The next step? I'd like to eventually count only photographically documented birds, but at their full taxonomic level. This may take time.
I can also see why year lists are so popular. The excitement of a new bird all over every year, I'll be starting my first Jan 1.
The good news, since I have "delisted" a few, most of them have been put back on. I got nearly 50 back on one good weekend, though with a bit of driving.
But of course, now there's the serious danger of becoming a "genus splitter"! Hooded Merganser - Mergus or Lophodytes?