Greg, Well made point, nicely put. Now I can take my Texas trip next week without Norm giving me a guilt trip ;-) White-winged Crossbills on Elk Neck in Cecil County yesterday, for those interested. Jane, Let me know if you STUMBLE across that loon. Heh, Heh, Heh. Gary A. Griffith (BrdNSum@dpnet.net) The Hummingbird Society (www.hummingbird.org) Elkton, Maryland (302) 369-3699 Society (410) 392-4491 Home ---------- > > No. I am *not* talking about physical noses, but I *am* referring > to the long beaks with which a few birders look down at other, more > "common" and "ordinary" birders and their respective experiences. > > Norm's reference to the NAS *degrading* Nebraska as a birding > destination to puff up the "superior" birding destination [Texas] > where they plan to erect a new shrine <sarcasm> is the bottom of my > personal birding experience. Texas is a wonderful place and NAS has > many wonderful members (some, I'm sure are from Nebraska!!!). There > is absolutely no need for sordid comments like that. Or, for that > matter, no need whatsoever to belittle anyone or any birding > experience to make another better. > > I have birded in 49 states (Alaska will be 50 this year <smile>) > and have enjoyed the uniqueness of each state. Part of what adds to > the birding experience is meeting new people (mid-Westerners are > *EXTREMELY* kind and helpful!), seeing new terrain, learning about the > habits of birds in different locations, migration patterns, and just > plain being outside, etc. > > Additionally, I have enjoyed trying to help other MDOsprey > subscribers with planning trips to other parts of the country. I'm > sure collectively, we've got quite a knowledge-base. I hope this open > enthusiasm for birding and helping others enjoy the same experiences > will continue! > > My two bits, > > Greg Miller > Lusby, MD > >