Phil, I've been on a few of those trips, but I have to say this doesn't
strike me as funny. Imagine being the new birder who asks a legitimate
question, only to get an answer like that. I'll bet the newbie felt even
more like an outsider after that comment. This sport isn't always a friendly
one, I'm sad to say. I've noticed that on bird walks, hardly anyone makes
introductions. People don't introduce themselves to newcomers on those
pelagic trips, either, and I've had people be downright unpleasant at Cape
May, Hawk Mountain, and earlier this summer at Mispillion Inlet. It's very
offputting to walk up to a group of birders, say hello, and be completely
ignored. 

Birders tend to be very clubby when they know one another. It's not a good
way to introduce newcomers to the sport. When I'm at the Turkey Point Hawk
Watch, I greet every single person who walks by. I consider each passerby a
potential birder, and thus a potential club member. A little courtesy can go
a long way to making a new person feel welcome. The absence of that courtesy
can leave a very bad first impression. 

Pat Valdata
Elkton