Thanks, Matt. 

For those of us who began learning bird song before the advent of apps and easy ways to carry recordings out into the field (or even a source for recordings, period), the reward was in finding the bird that was singing and identifying it that way.  I would sit and watch a bird sing until it finally moved on, just so I could learn the song.  It cements it in my head.  I can remember individual birds and experiences when a song was cemented into my head.  Sure, I go to the app for reference.  Please, let’s not scare off a possible rare nester, just to say you’ve seen a bird.  It takes lots of energy to defend a territory and feed young (especially when it can’t find the bird that’s on his territory).

Those of us finding these birds may just decide to list it with all the appropriate documentation a month or two later….  We do like to share, but not at the expense of the birds we love so much.

Kelly



> On May 26, 2017, at 10:13 AM, Dan Best <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> Well put Matt, well put.  You present sound reasoning that will educate the “Gosh, I didn’t realize that!” birders.
> And yes, there will be those who take this mild mannered admonition as an affront to their self-centered existence. 
> 
> Your advice to be patient and use one’s visual "hunting skills” to gain a view of a skulker or singing bird that isn’t bouncing on the branches is a point well made. This lends birding its sport. 
> When the bird finally gives a view, patience and persistence is paid off with greater sense of reward.   
> 
> Sometimes, sitting in a spot and watching what comes one’s way is the way to go.  “Butt birding” is way better than “butthead birding”!  Inga Schmidt’s comment, "The welfare of the bird is the first priority.  Our pleasures, are secondary.” is spot on. 
> 
> Thank you both.
> 
> Dan Best
> 
>> On May 25, 2017, at 9:15 PM, Matthew Valenic <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> 
>> Some of you will appreciate this and some will say "mind your own business",
>> but I believe this is my business - education.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> When a special bird visits we all want to see it, take pictures and get it
>> on our life list - no problem, I'm right there with you.  But it's well
>> known that the use of recordings can be detrimental to the bird, especially
>> if it is defending a breeding territory.  Nature conserves energy and
>> responding to a 'non-threat' (recording) wastes energy, an especially
>> dangerous situation with rain and colder than normal temperatures.  Food
>> (caterpillars and winged insects) are slow to move and hypothermia is a real
>> possibility.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Study your recordings before entering the area so you are familiar with
>> them, then use all your 'hunting' skills (be patient - be still) and hope
>> for the best.  Sometimes you will be there in a resting period and have to
>> wait awhile to hear it sing or see it moving about looking for food.  That's
>> all part of this game we play. If we are respectful of nature you can be
>> assured that it will come back to you in multiples!  If we don't, we risk
>> hurting the bird or chasing it out of the area, then no one gets to enjoy
>> it.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Thank you for reading this,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Matt Valencic
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> "It is in giving that we receive."
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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