Since the subject of hotels and birding got brought up I thought I'd make
this reminder to people. Please try to mention that you are birding when
you spend money on birding trips and especially when you stay at hotels.
It's important that communities know we're not just nuisances in their
backyard. This is especially important in the rural areas in the coastal
counties where Spotted Owls, Marbled Murrelets, and Snowy Plovers are as
well liked as Hitler and herpes.

We've made a great deal of progress in Hoquiam because of showing an
economic benefit. 10 years ago Lana's Cafe (next to the trailhead at
Bowerman Basin) had a sign saying No Birders and now they host the
Shorebird Festival dinner.

Bruce Fischer
Aberdeen, WA
stump at techline.com