Hi, Al, I think several factors are in play here. First of all, for many folks, writing comes much less easily than reading; sorry, but as a retired teacher, I know "output" is often more challenging than "input"---it was far more difficult to foster one than the other, in many cases. Secondly, I believe many people assume that sharing on e-bird is enough, that everyone uses it, though not true. Thirdly, some may be reluctant to repeat common-place sightings, for fear of making the list-serve seem less relevant. I suspect the most avid birders may even move directly to "e-bird only" because of that. Last of all, there are many folks who simply are lucky to have the time to bird at all, let alone report what they see. Additionally, some people may just lack faith in their own ID skills, and be reluctant to risk "losing face" on a public list-serve, especially if they have an inkling that they may have seen something out of the ordinary, but feel they have no proof and no credibility.
I'm grateful to everyone who has shared--not just sightings, but general information as well. And thanks to those who, when they question a sighting, do so with neutral tone and instructive reasons. Good birding, Al, and All Linda Whyte On Thu, Nov 15, 2012 at 11:56 AM, Al Schirmacher <[email protected]>wrote: > Find myself a bit disturbed today with my MOU brethren. Believe this > topic warrants a bit of polite, if diverging, discussion. > > My position: if one joins MOU, if one derives benefit from MOU-Net & > other reporting mechanisms, one should share one's sightings as well. > > I can understand withholding sensitive sightings, if rare birds are in > peril of disturbance during nesting or roosting. > > However, if the rare sighting is of a migrant, vagrant or otherwise not in > peril "good bird", it should be shared for the good of all. Sharing should > be the default, rather than withholding. > > Sharing benefits others in the birding community, whether one looks at > such from an educational, fellowship, mutual pleasure or variety of other > viewpoints. > > Why hold back? Why share too late for others? Why share with only a few? > I admit, I do not understand. > > Frankly I'd like to see a commitment to share be part of MOU membership > and/or subscribing to MOU. > > Enough of my rant. If you respond, publicly or back channel, please do so > with respect, and not naming others. Please note that I'm sharing no > particulars. > > Good birding to all. Heading to the refuge, will share anything > worthwhile:) > > Al Schirmacher > Princeton, MN > > Sent from my iPhone > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
