Birders,

I woke up this morning and read about this elaborate owl prank. I find it
rather upsetting. Many folks on the list know these pranks when we see
them. I'm sure there are others, however, who don't know. I don't think
it's fair to play such elaborate tricks on our friends in the birding
community. If the April Fools joke was something goofy it might actually be
funny, but this was just too much detail...too "believable." I normally
don't publically post my feelings on this list, but I am rather
disheartened by this prank.  I feel for anyone who may have gotten excited
at the chance of seeing this bird. It is my opinion that the birding
community should be self supportive and self nurturing. Anyone who knows
me, knows that I like to joke around, but I also believe that there is an
appropriate limit to jokes. Playing an elaborate prank such as this on
thousands of people that you don't know crosses the line...in my opinion.

Scott Albaugh
Knox County

p.s. I just learned that this prank ended up on the PA listserve as well.

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