Folks

I wished people would not report any findings on the listserve about the 
LEOWs.  These animals are getting very close to egg dates, and if they want 
to breed here reporting your findings are not helping that process.  Let 
their memory fade.  Please give them space.

There is a pair, there is good habitat, there is food, and the more we 
birders go to see them, the more pressure we are putting on these animals. 
They have nested not that far north of the Carroll County.  It is not 
unreasonable to think they might be considering nesting here this year.

Why leave them alone you may wonder.  Last week while checking one of my 
barn owl boxes I found one egg.  This egg is early by four days if you used 
the Yellowbook as a guide.  The Yellowbook lists April 3 as the egg date for 
LEOWs.  Also last week Flicker, Pileated, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 
were on territory earlier then atlas safe dates.  Brown Thrasher and Field 
Sparrow were also already on territory.  It may be still cold for you, but 
the birds are starting to set up territory, lay eggs, and need there space.

Even if you don't think your visit is impacting this pair, please do not 
report your findings so less birders feel the need to go and see them. 
Remember we drove the Swainson's Warbler from the state by continued 
pressure to add them to our lists.  Please stay away from these birds.  If 
you can't, don't report what you saw.  Please put birding ethics ahead of 
birding lists.

George

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joseph Chronowski" <>
To: <>
Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2007 4:11 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] LEOW 03/18/07


> With the grateful assistance of Bob Ringler, my wife and I successfully
> viewed the LEOW this morning in its regular location.  I must say that 
> with
> the bird being so camouflaged in its roost and being unfamiliar with 
> Morgan
> Run NEA, I would have never been able to find the bird on my own.
>
> Also seen at Morgan Run today were Fox Sparrow and American Tree Sparrow,
> amoung the other regulars.
>
> Thanks again Bob for such a pleasant experience!
>
> Joe and Michelle Chronowski
> Harford County, MD
>