Here is what I know about birders. Call me naive or stupid or innocent but this is what I think.
In general we don't intentionally go out to hurt birds or ruin the possibility to ruin the chance for someone else to experience a bird. Some of us are a bit overzealous and overanxious to add a name to a list, or document for science, or have the experience of seeing a rare one, or get to say we saw it or add to the database to save a species or document for the good of the bird. I also know that all of us make mistakes now and then - step off the trail a few feet, pish in frustration, play a tape to experiment what would happen, do something to increase the excitement of our hobby or our science. In addition I know that we put a lot of time and effort to pursue the pleasure of our hobby or science. We pay a lot for gas. We get covered with mosquitoes and ticks and eaten alive by deer flies and black flies. We skin our knees. We take a stand and risk our reputations and security. We wade in parasite ridden muck, run into trees, drop our cameras in the water, get stuck in mud and get flat tires, freeze in the winter and risk heat stroke in the summer, risk accidents sometimes to stop on a narrow road, and all sort of "stupid" things as we realize later - and each time it certainly was or at least seemed worth it. We subscribe to this list server community and religiously read the postings and plan our days and weeks and vacations around seeing birds. We share what we find. We take advice and share opinions. We spend a lot to be a part of something amazing and breath-takingly amazing in this world and we learn from our experiences. I for one don't really know a rare bird from a common one in Minnesota (even after 19 years) as I cut my teeth in Oklahoma and all the birds up hear will always be "rare" to me. I don't get excited about Painted Buntings or Scissortail Flycatchers or Mockingbirds or Shrikes as I have seen them in abundance for years. I believe the most useful part of this listserver is to educate, teach, learn and share. If someone sees a rare bird in the area, I suggest they post with their sighting precautions, ethics reminders, and recommendations with the news of their sighting. Let me learn from you and your experience. When I hosted a Western Tanager a couple of years ago, I posted the limitations I felt were needed if someone wanted to see the bird. Everyone who came followed the guidelines and many saw the bird without freaking it out. I know birders are just flat good people with pure intentions. No laughter please. I really believe that. If those who know the limitations for seeing a rare bird and also know how to preserve and encourage its presence, please tell me this in every posting of every sighting and call heard. Just cut and paste from one of the other postings all of the limitations and conditions that should be followed. Let me learn from you. I usually don't go out looking for a rare bird for the very reasons that all of this posting interaction is about. If I don't know, I will likely do something wrong and evoke the ire of those who know something I don't and assume I do. Sometimes, I just don't know I am doing it "wrong" or risking the bird. It would be the last thing I would ever intentionally do. I would probably just a glad to hear someone's experience and see a photo if my efforts to see it would pose a risk. Let us be responsible and accountable and share not just a sighting but what it would take to experience it without killing it. We are blessed to be here and to have the opportunities we have. And birding is a process and a learning experience. Teach us, those who know. Let us teach you, those who don't. Ask when unsure. Tell when we are unsure. Even in a wild area or park, repeated guidelines allow us all to support not only our passion but also the very lives and existence of those that are the objects of our passion. I love this place and the birds therein. I know we all do. Thomas Maiello Angel Environmental Management, Inc. Maple Grove, MN
