Seriously? Get a grip people. Someone already mentioned how owls bring out the worst in people, and I agree. The topic always sets off a flurry of sanctimonious posts from people trying to tell everyone else what to do.
Mention was already made of joggers and dog walkers flushing the owls in the same place. I'd rather have a herd of photographers present than one dog running off leash or a family of picnickers with a little kid who likes to chase gulls. It's not like these owls are coming to some pristine wilderness, they're coming where people live and there is nothing to be done about that. Walking in a closed area or trespassing? Wrong, wrong, wrong. But being the only person avoiding approaching an owl in a public space is kind of silly. Bottom line - have respect, for the birds, for the law, and for other people who might have different desires than you. And let me suggest that getting more public to see Snowy Owls this winter (preferably in a spotting scope of a friendly birder) is a huge potential educational opportunity. Global warming? Why should I care? Oh, you mean those owls might be hurt? Boom, personal connection. Just a thought. Kevin Kevin J. McGowan Ithaca, NY k...@cornell.edu 607-254-2452 -----Original Message----- From: bounce-39537336-3714...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-39537336-3714...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Jim Osterlund Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 12:58 PM To: NYSBIRDS-L Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] ethics, photographers, knee-jerks, op-eds Fred speaks well, and, indeed, we need to gather all these thoughts, and, if nothing else, state clearly and succinctly what the problem is. To contribute to this, thinking there might be significant legal aspects to consider, I've placed inquiry with NYSDEC, thinking them the most likely authority on such subjects. I'll post further of anything useful that comes from reply. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ -- -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
