To those I've offended, I made some generalizations that are wrong. I should have said, my comments are pointed at those photographers who have behaved badly. I apologize for denigrating all photographers, for I know of and am sure there are plenty respectable members.
I still keep my stance on those who have wronged. I've spent weeks in the bog this year and have seen far more bad behaviour from photographers, then I have from birders. Indignant photographers who have ignored those observing birds at respectable distances, only to move in and needlessly flush a bird. Obviously birders have committed bad acts as well, but in my experience, not nearly as much. Also, I was speaking to the Owl Invasion, not the list frentic South Texas birders. In regards to the event I saw, it could have only happened via a photographer feeding a mouse, as the bird practically landed on the photographer to catch the mouse. There was no way it was a natural event. I was sharing this because it's been an issue before and it would be an unnecesary death if it occurred again. Finally, of course this is a tirade, but apparently I made some misdirected and misunderstood comments. I should know better than to make a heart-felt rant on here and next time I'll keep it to myself, as the MOU is not a place for politics, for many have fallen because of such events as this. I rarely make comments like this, but this particular event struck me strongly and I felt the need to comment on it. Enough said. Tom Auer
