Dear Tim O'Connor: First of all, you are in error when you say that eBird "asks contributors to pinpoint nesting sites with perfect accuracy." In fact, the exact opposite is true. eBird's instructions on reporting data on sensitive species says the following: "Do not provide explicit coordinates or directions to sensitive species. When using the mapping tool to plot your location, use the ‘general area’ instead of the exact grove of trees where the birds are. For instance, you may say that birds were seen at a state park, instead of listing the exact location within a state park." These instructions (and several others) elaborating on how to prevent revealing where sensitive species are nesting can be found on the eBird site itself, under "About eBird, Reporting sensitive species." Second, your latest email indicates that you may be in denial about the fact that you yourself disturbed nesting American Bitterns and Virginia Rails by approaching their nests to get photos, in spite of the clear signs of alarm they showed in your photographs. In fact you even seem to be seeking some sort of "credit" for not repeating your mistake by leading others to the nests (you said: "Fortunately for the nests I found, I needed no reminders of the rules concerning birding ethics.") In fact, the opposite is true, you certainly needed reminding. And those who did the reminding are to be commended for their very valid concerns. Finally, almost everyone who birds ends up making a mistake like this at one time or another. Often out of over-eagerness, sometimes out of a lack of knowledge or experience. I'm certain you won't make this mistake again, and this important exchange on this listserv will also help remind all of us to avoid making similar mistakes. The temptation is always there to get too close, and that temptation, especially during breeding season, has to be resisted. All best, John Workman In a message dated 7/4/2010 7:39:06 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
"1(c) Before advertising the presence of a rare bird, evaluate the potential for disturbance to the bird ... The sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to the proper conservation authorities." That's as good a reason as any not to report nests to eBird until the autumn, which asks contributors to pinpoint nesting sites with perfect accuracy. Fortunately for the nests I found, I needed no reminders of the rules concerning birding ethics. But people did write asking me to bring them there; I simply declined to answer them. Thanks for the good reminder, Christine. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
