I have two comments on this topic to share - not directed to any one person, or any one instance. 1) If I find a "rare" bird during the course of my work day that's on U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service land that is NOT open to the public, I will not report it on mou-net unless I've been able to secure permission by management to make that area available, either by opening it up, or leading people out there. I think it would be just plain mean to report a rare bird, if it's in an area unavailable to others. However, I might report it to MOU for record-keeping purposes if I thought it was important. 2) Sometimes rare birds are on private property, and home or landowners do not wish to have people they don't know visiting - for whatever reason. If they allow a trusted friend to record the bird's presence, so that the sighting can be submitted for state records, then that's their prerogative, and we have to respect their decision. My life isn't over if I don't get to see every rare bird - I'm just a little bummed out - but I get over it. I like Kenn Kaufman's idea that you shouldn't get to "count" a (life) bird unless you do something to help it through education, conservation, etc. Betsy Beneke St. Cloud, MN
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