The rating system used for the Online Birding Guide is designed to help prioritize the itineraries of both local and visiting birders. In general, the higher the site rating, the more likely you would recommend the site to the visiting birder. It is important to understand, however, that we all have different motivations for watching birds, and that sites with low ratings may be more valuable to local birders than are sites with high ratings to birders from other parts of the state. The ratings are typically provided by the individual authors of each site guide, at times with minimal guidance from the editor.
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4 Binos
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A "4 Bino" site describes those superb birding areas that you would recommend to out-of-state birders with limited time. These sites are often considered "the best" in their respective parts of the state, perhaps due to sheer numbers and diversity of birds, or maybe because of unique habitats or bird families found there.
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3 Binos
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A "3 Bino" site is also an extremely good birding area. Although you may not consider these sites among the 1-3 best in a particular region of the state, you would definitely recommend them to out-of-state birders who have more time to visit.
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2 Binos
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A "2 Bino" site would likely not make the list of sites you would give to the out-of-state birder. These sites, however, are considered locally very good, and even attract birders from other parts of the state from time to time. Local birders likely check these sites regularly.
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1 Bino
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A "1 Bino" site is considered locally to be a reasonably good birding site, but is not likely to attract birders from other parts of the state. These areas are primarily visited by only very local birders and are not mentioned often on statewide birding hotlines or listservs. It shold be noted, however, that "1 Bino" sites are still very important to local birders and are likely worth a visit if you happen to be in the immediate area for other reasons.
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