Date:         Thu, 3 Aug 2000 13:50:04 EDT
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Gail Frantz <Guineabird@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Some thoughts on the Thoughtless
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In a message dated 8/3/00 10:05:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Gyrfal@AOL.COM
writes:

<< 1. How does anyone know that the culprits were "real" birders, >>

No doubt that most birders behave admirably but over the years after
observing birders-on-the-trail-of-rarities, I suspect many of the Sandhill
Crane miscreants were bona fide, registered, narrowly focused & self-absorbed
"real" birders.

<<e.g., members of MOS, ANS, ABA or NAS?  They may well have been curious
snoopers who happened by, very casual birders>>

Over-the-top birding behavior may be observed occasionally at other times in
other places & may even include birdie logos displayed on car windows,
jackets & caps.
(Curious snooper = Peeping Tom?)

<<or even newspeople pursuing a local story.>>

It's been my very limited experience that newspaper people who are pursuing a
hot bird story call first to make an appointment.

 <<2. How many "baddies" are we really talking about, other than driving up
the driveway?  Three?  >>

If birdwatchers are on private land without permission, even one is too many.

<<If people were casual birders who heard second or third hand about the bird
and do not subscribe to MDOsprey, one might be a little more forgiving of
their driving into the driveway>>

Unfortunately, in the public's mind there is no distinction between the
"real" and  "casual...curious birder" We're all lumped together. Like it or
not, many folks don't want to be bothered with strangers on their own turf.

<< how is it possible that none of us "real" birders got the license plate
numbers of the culprits or spoke to them about their behavior?  Were the
"real" birders oblivious, timid, or not present when the miscreant behavior
took place?>>

Have you ever observed inappropriate or even illegal behavior from birders?
If so, did you speak to them about their behavior and/or take their license
number? Many birders are reluctant to mention or question the behavior of
others thinking that they'll be perceived as a busy-body.  "Live & let live"
appears to be the motto in bird watching.

<<A suggestion: ...the home/land owners have specific rules, why not post a
sign with those rules...One of us birders ought to make and post the sign,
with the permission of the owner.>>

GOOD IDEA!

<< we ought...to realize that there are thousands of people who look at birds
who are not members of any organized birding group and have never read or
eventhought about ABA's rules of birding etiquette. >>

This is all true. But the truth won't amount to a hill of beans if public
perceptions are that birders - already known as Tree & Spotted Owl
Lovers/Environmental Activists - are insensitive to respecting privately
owned land.

<< ...help such people with friendly and courteous suggestions if we see them
stepping over the line.>>

You got that right!

And a bop on the head might not be a bad idea. Even better: a friend of mine
just suggested, "maybe we should tar & tar them" -  now there's a "real"
birder with civility!

Gail Frantz
Reisterstown, MD
guineabird@aol.com

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