Hi --

I understand what Bob is saying but I think MOS could develop some 
*voluntary* guidelines or at least, suggestions, for how to handle a
variety 
of similar situations in the future. Local clubs could also do some 
pre-planning, maybe even have some designated individuals with good 
people skills to help make arrangements -- if needed.

As everyone notes, much depends on the home or property owner. They 
do have to think about what it might mean to their peace and to that of
their 
neighbors, or their business, etc.

Having said that, there have been situations in the past few years where a 
"mega" has been at a private home or at a business location and a 
reasonable manner of access has been developed and promulgated. In 
these cases it seems most everyone has behaved well. Where we have 
had the most problems is when a bird is announced on private property 
with no directives or caveats as to access or viewing times/sites.

This is where some suggestions, at least, would be useful. For example: 
discuss access with homeowner or property owner. If they are reluctant to 
have "open" access then suggest setting up certain times or even, a 
limited number of visits at set times and days, open to birders by 
reservation only. (I am thinking here of the Barrows Goldeneye at PAX 
Station). Look for near-by sites for parking and car-pooling. Obviously if 
these sites are private this will also have to be cleared. (E.g those of us 
chasing the WW Dove last years being directed to the near-by church but 
not on Sunday AM, per church's request). If homeowner is still reluctant to 
have any birders, maybe at least ask for permission for someone to take 
photos for MD records. And so forth.

This is not always an easy chore -- I recall the person, on his way to
work, 
who stopped to admire a flock of Bohemian Waxwings feeding on some 
berriess and found the first Cedar Waxwing for the UK! His first reaction 
was to rest his head on the steering wheel and say  "Oh God, why me...?" 
-- because he knew he would now have to try and exert some control over 
the fall-out from this super-mega. 

In such situations I think having a local club set up to help would be very 
beneficial. 

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD

Original Message:
-----------------
From: Bob Ringler 
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2011 07:32:43 -0400
To: 
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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