Re: [Maine-birds] Townsend Warbler-Winterport

Mark, et al,

I feel that I must take issue with this post.  Having just been treated to the hospitality of John Wyatt, I can be nothing more than incredibly grateful for John and Debbie's hospitality to the bird and birders.

But what "gets my goat" is when birders  expect to have the right to see any and every bird.  In the case of the Townsend's Warbler, we are lucky that a variety of circumstances have allowed for exception viewing opportunities.  However, this is not always the case: work and life schedules, parking concerns, annoyed neighbors, pets, health concerns, safety, privacy concerns, etc, etc all factor into a decision on whether or not to open one's yard, property, and especially home to a bunch of strangers.  I've seen gardens trampled, driveways blocked, tresspassing on neighboring properties, and enough selfish, dumb behavior by birders to understand why, in some situations, access is not always granted.

It was good fortune for all of us that the TOWA chose such welcoming hosts.  Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  And when it is not, we have to respect the wishes of the homeowner.  Posts such as Mark's - suggesting that any private property should be opened to all people - does nothing other than discourage the sharing of sightings - which, chase-able or otherwise is worth (at least to me) knowing for the record and the general interest of what is where and when.

I have worked with a number of land and homeowners over the years to balance their desire to share their bird with a variety of concerns.  Sometimes it works out well for all birders, and sometimes it does not.  And when it does not, we can do nothing more than respect their wishes...as frustrating as that may be.

Thanks for listening,

Derek

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 5, 2012, at 10:29 PM, "Mark R Hoffman" <hoffa2@roadrunner.com> wrote:

I received a call from my buddy Skip Small from Rockport and he informed me that he got the Townsend Warbler in Winterport today and the homeowners are as gracious as they come, welcoming numbers of total strangers into their house to view this great bird. I only wish there were more people like John and Debbie that had rarities and were so welcoming to other birders. What gets my goat is when I read about a rarity at "private feeders". My friend Sean Hatch texted me the other day to report the same that he was very welcomed and invited into their home to view the bird, he was pretty pumped about getting another life bird and who can blame him. Although the bird appears healthy I just really hope he makes it home ok. Thanx again John and Debbie !!!

 

Mark R Hoffman

Newcastle Maine

207-458-1897

 

 

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