News Animals

A rare bird sighting doesn’t lead to seeing more kinds of rare birds

The so-called Patagonia Picnic Table Effect is a myth, an analysis of bird sightings suggests

Jesse Laney and other ecologists on a birdwatching trip

Ecologist Jesse Laney (second from left) leads Oregon State University students on a birdwatching trip. Laney and colleagues’ recent research suggests that a popular birdwatching phenomenon — the Patagonia Picnic Table Effect — is a myth.

Noelle Moen

By Anushree Dave

- More than 2 years ago

It was a cold, overcast Saturday morning in Salem, Ore.,