I have a little trouble with this wild versus non-wild philosophy. I am not getting down on Paul or supporting Bob, just trying to make a point. Peregrines were introduced back to our State and placed in boxes on towers that were not here when they previously resided, but, we count them. Ospreys were reintroduced and most (maybe all) were not even from the indigenous population. Greater Prairie Chickens are set up to establish new lech's (forgive spelling if incorrect) in previously established areas. Do I count them or not and when and where. Trumpeter Swans may or may not be released. And the on going Whooping Crane dilemma. Probably the majority are farm raised under the guise of being "natural". At least their predecessors had a lot of human intervention and care. Not to natural. Beyond this, an Inca Dove found in Two Harbors, which is not a migratory bird (maybe this one is a first), and showed up out of thin air (I counted that bird). My bet is it came in on a ship that had access to the Gulf off the Texas Coast.Very much human intervention. How do we know? An Inca dove rides a ship. Count it. A Crane flies from Wisconsin under its own power. We don't count it. Audubon shot his specimens and analyzed their innards to see what they ate. Maybe we should have shot the Inca Dove and analyzed what it ate to get to Minnesota? When does an escaped farm bird become classified as wild? How many generations? All questions no finger pointing. Pheasants, Starlings, House sparrows, Eurasian Collared Doves and many more. I'm just making a challenge and have not formed a total opinion, yet. I believe Paul when he says it is a hard task and thankless. Paul, I appreciate your endeavors. I got a really good thought from Bob Russel. Birding is down, we are not following the flocks (and the other names for groups) with a frenzy. Its a good time to find out what kind of birders we really are and check some of these areas that may hold a gem or two. Milt Blomberg and I went into the Larch stands in Morrison and Stearns two winters ago and came up with Black Backed Woodpeckers in almost all of them. Only a few records before that. Might be very surprised if a number of us approach this and come up with something that can be substantiated. We can be like scientists and not only be number counters. Just remember, I am not trying to stir up trouble (its not my nature unless if you talk to Milt Blomberg) I am only putting forth a question. Frank Gosiak Little Falls Morrison County
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