Yesterday--was it only yesterday?--four of us out on a Big Day made a
stop at 1:11 am at Charlie's Pond, a spot we ritually visit on birding
expeditions. It was a lovely night, clear and still and fairly warm. We
stayed in the car, and suddenly we heard a ki-drrr from very close,
almost as if it came from the car radio. I said something, mostly
kiding, that it sounded like a black rail's song. Before anyone could
react further, a full-blooded KICK-ee-drrr came, again and again, and we
knew we were in luck.
        This was thrilling. I've heard and even seen this species before, but I
was not surprised to see our younger participants pile out with a
flashlight to see if the bird could be located. It could not, as these
very secretive birds, smaller than sparrows, survive by slinking in and
out of dense wet marsh grasses.  Avoiding big clumsy creatures like us
is daily work for them.
        After the bird fell silent and retreated, probably in response to
feeling "hunted," we talked about what to do with this extrdinary
sighting. First, we wanted other birders to have a chance to share our
experience, so we made it public immediately. Black rails are hard to
come by in Ohio, and we knew we'd have wanted someone else who'd located
one to let us know about it. Another concern was to prevent any harm to
the bird. We also felt responsible for letting less experienced
observers know what the expectations are at times when such fabulous
sightings occur. Even if we as individuals only uncommonly find rare
birds, this is a situation birders have to be ready for.
        I have found that birders seldom imperil birds. Nearly all of us
understand and obey reasonable restrictions on activities that might be
detrimental. Still, even birders can support or at least tolerate some
practices that are not good for birds. These practices range from the
relatively minor--temporarily influencing birds so people can get a
better look at them--to the major--wiping out bird populations to serve
human ends. We need to remember that the smallest inconveniences,
repeatedly inflicted on birds by the multitudes who admire them, can
become a problem.
        One example. Every Kentucky warbler deserves a fair chance to deal with
all the natural problems associated with reproducing its kind without
undue interference from us. Eons of evolution have declared Oporornis
formosus a winner...for now. Still, if some landowner is considering
using her land for a shopping complex, wouldn't it be be great if
someone--using a tape, say, to lure the male out--had a chance to show
the landowner a glimpse of one of the spectacular birds such a shopping
complex would supplant?
        What about the leader of bird-walks who wouldn't mind improving her
reputation by giving the public great views of birds by using tapes? Or
the professional photographer who can sell images of birds lured by
tapes or food? Both would no doubt truthfully and justifiably argue that
any momentary influence on birds is offset by the the educational effect
on human audiences that might lead to their protection. No doubt, but we
must not ignore the self-interest, either.
        If I could insulate birds from all human influences I'd so in a minute.
To hell with our good intentions. We're all selfish, we're determinedly
ignorant, and we have great powers for evil. Still, we are involved with
birds, and are an honorable species insofar as we can transcend
self-interest, learn more about our world, and use our powers for good.
        I strongly agree with Bob Evans that we need to talk over such things
from time to time. This kind of talk is not some topic for a special
venue, but for our everyday discourse. Of course we need to have our
facts straight, and converse in a civil manner. We must assume the best
about one another. Sad to say, humans have become the greatest threat to
the rest of the natural world. Saving that world most importantly means
managing ourselves, not managing nature. If we can't deal with one
another on this issue, large impersonal natural realities--like
extinction--will come into play. For us, as well as for birds.
Bill Whan
Columbus
"He who falls in love with himself will have no rivals." Benj. Franklin

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