On Fri, 10 Oct 1997, Debbie wrote:


> Shall we declare an "opening day" for spring
> migration to insure that we all have paid for our licenses by then?

I believe we have an opening day for birding, I believe its called New
Years Day ;).

> I think I'll buy a hunting license tomorrow so when I see the "other
> guys" out in the field I won't feel too guilty.
I always buy a fishing license, (although its not totally pure, I do fly
fish, catch and release) an often a duck stamp, but I like Hal's
idea. I would like to see a nice Warbler or even a Hawk rather than a
gamebird always. Everybody needs to choose their own way to contribute.

Hopefully Teaming with Wildlife and Conservation licensens will lead to
much greater things. A point rises to my mind, that if birders can have
such power with their money as to create major sources of revenues in
popular birding areas, such as South Eastern Arizona, I shudder to think
that the same birders can become a political force. If someone believes
that a local area is species important than try to preserve it. Maybe
Audubon Organizations could be the fuel to light the birders movement. We
as birders cannot expect existing laws or other people to save an area or
provide funds to save it. In short I believe (its my opinion, please no
flames :(. )that if somebody doesn't try to work at saving bird areas, I
must question their love of birds. If we do alot of small things,
politically and for conservation, together that will make a large
reconizable movement. Afterall, hunters started by wanting a place to
shoot birds, dog owners believe in their convictions for off-leash areas,
I would hope that I belong to a group that cares about preservation of
birds beyond life lists and ticks. Birds need habitat and environment and
its the duty of people that care about them (US!) to speak for their
needs. So lets work together, respect differing opinions and work at
getting politically active for birds! As a last thought, if birders do not
like duck hunting on NWR's (and I don't) or off leash dogs in parks (and
again I don't, though I have a dog), then lets tell somebody both with
words and money. Its only fair hunters have spoke with both so to have an
equal voice, we need to stop riding their coat tails!

Thanks,

Scott Downes
sdownes at u.washington.edu
Seattle WA