[cobirds] Re: Purple Sandpiper viewing ethics

I so agree with Duane. Painful to watch people getting within 5 or 6ft of the bird. Come on, people, have some respect for the bird!

Surely 10 or 15ft is close enough! We remember the woodcocks being flushed by people who want to get just a little closer. Back off!

Why is the bird unbothered? Perhaps it has never encountered people before, having been hatched on the far tundra. Nevertheless, what profits the bird in becoming accustomed to our species? Not every human will be friendly towards the bird. I fervently hope that no person, coyote or bird of prey is so unrecognizable that it can kill this bird!

Please don't approach this bird or any bird so closely! Yeah, let the chickadees come to your hand, or the pygmy nuthatches feed all around your feet. Have a little reverence for wild bird. Please!

Gwen Moore

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 20, 2016, at 4:41 PM, Duane Nelson <dnelson1@centurytel.net> wrote:
>
> Birders,
>
> I hate to bring this up, but I know I'm not the only person thinking this. Every day, people seem to be edging closer and closer to the Purple Sandpiper at Lake Dillon. I think the welfare of this bird should come before the "money shot" photograph. We should all feel fortunate just to witness this special visitor. We, as birders, are under the scrutiny of a much larger audience, and I want us to surpass expectations for our exemplary behavior. I beg that people stand back, let the bird forage with a little space, and remain here as long as it chooses. If it's flushed, where else can it go?
>
> I know a little about allowing people to observe rare birds from an appropriate distance and for an appropriate duration. I don't know what I can do about the Purple Sandpiper, but I'm thinking I'd better consider the implications of reporting mega rarities in my neck of the woods.
>
> Respectfully,
>
> Duane Nelson
>
> Las Animas, Bent County, CO
>
>
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