I think we have all encountered birders who have crossed the line - those that have no concern for anyone but themselves. I doubt highly that many of those birders are paying much attention to these posts (we can hope I guess).
The bigger issue is educating the rest of us who know the ethics and think we are far enough away, but might not be. For these situations I greatly appreciate a kind word from experts like Duane who can "guide" and "inform" - especially in the moment so I can adjust accordingly.
In the end I trust as a birding community most of us will do the right thing and if one of your fellow birders suggests you might be encroaching too much try to remember it's not because they are trying to ruin your experience - They are trying to make sure that the experience is available for all in the future (especially the future of the bird). We can all find more enjoyment with a little more humility and openness.
Go birders!
Mark Minner-Lee
Broomfield, CO
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
I agree totally with gwen and duane. Have these people not ever read the ABA birding ethics? Such behavior is not that of an ethical birder who thinks only of a stressed, lost bird's well being. Stay away if they can't bird like a real and ethical birder.
-------- Original message --------
From: Gwen Moore <gwensminiroses@gmail.com>
Date: 12/21/2016 9:06 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: dnelson1@centurytel.net
Cc: cobirds@googlegroups.com
Subject: [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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