The number of Snowy Owls present, seemingly ~everywhere~ is great if you are a birder or photographer, but I shudder to think of the implications for that species if so many have ventured south out of their normal range. Since there are both birders and photographers subscribing to this list; how can we constructively spread the word about being "responsible", if we can even agree on what "being responsible" means. To be sure, if anyone, birder, photographer, etc gets too close, and a magnificent bird like the Snowy Owl flies away, then everyone loses. Surely a bit more common sense is needed. Birders AND photographers both have codes of ethics: Any thoughts on how to spread the word and mitigate the ignorant? Yesterday at dusk, we were able to get an eleventh hour look at the Snowy Owl at Floyd Bennett field for some visitors from out of town. It had been frequenting a mound in one field, but had been spooked by a dog and its walker. Given the specialness of this incursion, I think all of the above would be willing to make an accommodation for these visitors, if only we could get a palatable message out there before they commit an infraction.
Arie Gilbert No. Babylon NY -- 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/ --
