I am sending out this message in light of the recent influx of Snowy Owls throughout New York State and especially in and near New York City.
For the purpose of this message, I will focus on the Snowy Owls; however, the content of this message can apply to any unusual species. In the past, birders have witnessed other birders and bird photographers acting in a way that does not conform to the American Bird Association's (ABA) Principles of Birding Ethics (http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html). Several of these behaviors have included: * Getting too close to a resting Snowy Owl, such that a Snowy Owl is forced to flush, which causes wasted expenditure of much-needed energy * Using powerful flash photography, which can disrupt the normal activity of a Snowy Owl (sleeping, foraging, etc.) * Releasing unnatural food resources (white mice) into the environment, which can cause a Snowy Owl to associate humans with an unnatural food source which may contain unknown chemicals or antibiotics * Loud talking, pishing or sqeaking to attract attention of a Snowy Owl, which can further disrupt the normal activity of the Snowy Owl Owls or other rare birds may cause larger-than-normal numbers of people to gather near a rare or unusual bird. This can lead to undue stress to an already stressed bird. As Listowner of NYSbirds-L, I have little control over how people behave around these birds; however, I do have control over who is subscribed to this eList. If, while observing an unusual or rare bird, anyone witnesses behavior which severely contradicts the ABA Principles of Birding Ethics, please document this unethical behavior and find out the name of the individual or individuals in question. If it is clear and blatant harassment of a bird, please document this. Report this unethical or illegal behavior to me and report this to the appropriate Office representing your region at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html). If this person is a subscriber of NYSbirds-L, their subscription status will be brought into question by me. Please note, I cannot prevent someone who has documented unethical birding behavior from posting that information to YouTube or any public forums outside of NYSbirds-L. If this is documented and publicized, your reputation may be at stake. Bear in mind that it is *not* okay to openly lambast specific violators on NYSbirds-L. Please read the list rules here: http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES *It is in your own best interest to read, understand, and follow the Principles of Birding Ethics!* Thank you and do not hesitate to contact me off List with your questions or concerns. Sincerely, Chris T-H -- Chris Tessaglia-Hymes Listowner, NYSbirds-L Ithaca, New York c...@cornell.edu NYSbirds-L - Archives<http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html> NYSbirds-L - Welcome and Basics<http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME> NYSbirds-L - Rules and Information<http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES> NYSbirds-L - Subscribe, Configuration and Leave<http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm> -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
