In a message dated 95-12-11 14:27:32 EST, you write:

> But I can't believe anyone would want to
>capture that longspur just so they could be shown to be correct in
>their
>assessment of its sex. If you mean edified by an advance in
>knowledge, and
>you are against this, I hope your comments are not supported by a
>majority
>of tweeters. I suspect many would disagree with your statement about
>the
>definitive ID.

Dennis,

I think you've hit on something a lot of people, including me, are
struggling with and It think there are a number of issues at work here:

1. What advancement of knowledge is involved and how does that weigh against
the stress and possible demise of the individual animal? (Despite a high
level of confidence in Stuart's mist-netting ability)

2. While I agree with earlier statements you have made about stressing the
importance of the species vs individuals I believe we are in the midst of
some major attitude changes in this country related to the animal rights
group message. Recent polls indicate a signficant number of Americans hold
views congruent with a part of the animal rights message which should be a
wake up call for those of us who work with live critters that we need improve
our educational message. It certainly is likely to affect what research gets
funded.

3. I don't believe one has be anti-intellectual to question some of the
things that have been done to animals in the name of science and to ask that
the potential benefits be weighed first. This may also be part of the general
loss of confidence in our institutions touted in the media of late.

4. We are in some ways fighting our culture's mythology about freedom, and
its lack of understanding of ecological relationships. The freedom myth
often gets in the way of explaining the realities facing wildlife and the
desparate need to know more, sooner rather than later.

I'm not sure how these ramblings relate to catching up a random (maybe)
Longspur but my instinct( or maybe my PR experience) tells me the
information gained may not be worth it.

Mike Waller
WP Zoo