It would seem from this discussion, that there is enough significant concern on the part of local bird clubs and others that warrants addressing this issue.  Naturally, first priority of consideration should be given to the homeowners' wishes.  If the homeowner is open to visitation as was the case here, there are many ways that access can be arranged.  Someone familiar with the local neighborhood and community and who can act as a liaison among the birders, homeowners, and the neighborhood, would be best-suited to take on that role.  As someone interested in visiting a mega-rarity site, it would be assuring for me to know that there is a semi-official contact with whom I can communicate about access and other considerations.  Otherwise, I have no way of knowing, other than through trial-and-error, how credible or veritable word-of-mouth information about access or other concerns may be.  That is not to say anything or imply anything about the
 source(s) of that information, simply an objective statement.

The other thing this avoids is potential resentment among different groups and individuals within the birding community, for example, between those who are "in the know" and those who are not.

These kinds of situations are likely to become more common, and with some forethought, leadership, and preparation, we may be able to provide a more positive experience for all those involved the next time a mega-rarity shows up in an urban/suburban neighborhood.  

Ross Geredien
Edgewater, MD

________________________________
From: Leslie Starr <>
To: 
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 9:06 AM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Hummingbird in Cecil County

For what it's worth, the homeowner at the hummingbird site explained that she knew she had an unusual bird, so she went online to look for someone to tell. She found Marshall Iliff and thought he was in Maryland, as of course he used to be, and contacted him. So in this case the protocol started with science (eBird), which at least resulted in rigorous documentation. 


It's a shame the bird didn't stay longer. The homeowners' neighbor told me she had taken down her hummingbird feeder so the bird wouldn't be tempted to go to her house instead. Everyone was disappointed that more birders didn't have a chance to see it.



Leslie Starr
Baltimore






-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Ringler <>
To: MDOSPREY <>
Sent: Thu, Oct 20, 2011 3:32 am
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Hummingbird in Cecil County


Maryanne,
   I am sympathetic to the problem. It is not a new situation but this is
the way it has always been. I recall a similar problem more than twenty
years ago when an equally rare bird showed up with a problem of access. I
was invited to join a group going to see the bird. At the site I was
surprised that no local birdwatchers were there. When I suggested that they
should be contacted I was told that there was no obligation to notify local
people. It was up to the people in the know to inform whomever they chose.
   I doubt that a uniform policy can be developed. It has always been left
to the first person on the scene to decide what to do. Each situation of a
rare bird on private property is different and requires different handling
and regardless of how it is handled someone is always left out.
   Yes, I saw the Green Violetear at my first opportunity on Wednesday
morning and as instructed I told no one.
Bob Ringler
Eldersburg MD

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