I suppose I am whining, but don't take it too seriously. :-)

I suppose the real difference between the UK and the US is the lack of =
intermediate organisations similar to Washington Ornithological Society, so =
the possibilities for expressing interest are a little more restricting. I =
am surprised to see how relatively homogenous US birders are - well at face =
value at least.

The debate has been really interesting, I've learned a lot more about the =
culture and the ornithology climate over here. Thanks to everybody who has =
contributed.

The lack of banders is not really a problem, though I would be nice to hang =
out with people who are similarly afflicted. Birds of a feather.... . I have =
a permit to use mist nets. Now if I had a cannon net permit - which really =
needs a team of about 60 banders to do a good job (catches of around 2000 =
birds at a time) - then I'd be upset ;-)

See ya,

Stuart=