In a message dated 3/10/2006 6:45:52 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
 writes:

I  must admit that I was taken aback by a recent response to my plea for 
help  regarding the locations of breeding Yellow-throated Warbler and feel 
that  I should qualify what I am doing. I would first like to make it clear 
that  I tried every means possible last field season (and in the process 
wasted  the entire season) trying to catch these birds so that I could take 
blood  and release them. Although I tried every trick in the book including  
raising the song playbacks, decoys, and nets into the canopy, my capture  
rate was very low (about 1 bird for every 150 field hours) mainly because  of 
the height at which this species nests and their non-aggressive  attitude to 
song playback and decoys. I weighed the value of this project  in terms of 
what it will contribute to science and to the conservation and  long-term 
management of this species and decided it would be worth it to  remove some 
individuals. These individuals will be singing males and the  removal of ~20 
of them from an area the size of Maryland will not, in any  way, impact the 
Yellow-throated Warbler population as the remaining males  that would not 
normally get to breed this year (mostly young males) will  be more than happy 
to take their place. Also, I wanted to assure everyone  that I have all the 
necessary permits and will be conducting this research  according to the law.
I must admit that I am proud of the  conservation ethic that is steadily 
growing in America and am certainly  glad that people would care enough to 
challenge any threat to the birds. I  hope, however, that most people realize 
the need for studies such as mine  and will continue to help science move 
forward.

Sincerely for the  birds,
Bailey McKay

----- Original Message ----- 
From:  "Catherine Carroll" <>
To:  <>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2006 4:49  PM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Yellow-throated Warbler Breeding  Locations




A well-written response. I would be torn if I were in a position to "help"  
Mr. McKay. But, I'm sure he will find help here, now that I've read his reply. 
 
Rick Sussman
Ashton,MD