Harry,

I was on my annual family vacation to Cape Cod (specifically, Orleans)
during the Red-Footed Falcon appearance.  The only thing I could add is
how mainstream "birding" and "bird watching" is on Cape Cod , Martha's
Vineyard and Nantucket.  Coverage of the falcon (and all the folks going
to the Vineyard to see it) was almost a daily subject in local
newspapers such as the /Cape Cod Times/ and the /Cape Codder/. The
/Boston Globe/ covered the story closely as well.  But even when there
is not such an event as this one, outdoor and nature coverage is strong
in the media up there.  All the newpapers (including the Globe) run the
weekly report of bird and nature sitings that originates from the MASS
Audobon  Society.  Possibly, such strong interest at the local and
regional level instigates more media coverage at the national level.

I can only speak my opinion, but I think the /Washington Post /and the
county weekly's in the MD suburbs of DC do a horrible job with outdoor
coverage.  I have never seen ANS's weekly report run in the /Post/.
Most of  my local friends, family and neighbors think birding is a kooky
and eccentric pursuit.  But up on the Cape its considered pretty
normal.  Everybody up there seems to know somebody who is into birds.

Andy Martin

Gaithersburg