Subject: [Tweeters] FYI - Bothell Harris's Sparrow Complaint
Date: Apr 20 19:39:00 2011
From: Monika Wieland - monika.wieland at gmail.com


Hi Tweeters,

I visited the Bothell Harris's sparrow on April 12th and posted about it
on my blog. This afternoon this anonymous comment was left on my blog
post, and I thought it was worth sharing with the group at large. As a
wildlife photographer I know how frustrating it can be when non-birders
walk through and flush birds, but it's really unfortunate some of the
locals are leaving with this impression of birders.

"Thanks for the nice post. I would like to comment that this area is a
public trail therefore the public may be walking on the trail. I have
not yet run in to one nice 'birder' taking photos out here. If somebody
asks a photographer with a giant zoom lense, what kind of bird he is
looking for, that seems like reasonable curiosity to me. So far the main
thing I get in return is people being annoyed and dismissing. Just
because I am on the trail without some giant camo camera lense people
don't have to be so rude as to tell me to move along because I am going
to scare your precious birds away. I wish the Harris' sparrow had never
come to this pond. It is not that interesting of a bird and I would not
have to have met so many MANY rude people who think they have some
better right to be on the trail. To the gentleman I saw today on
4/20/2011, you count as one of these VERY rude 'birders'. I hope you got
a great picture of your bird. If I ever see you again out by the pond, I
will be sure to stick around until you leave. If you are going to visit
the area, please don't be so MEAN to people who you may seem as
annoying. It is a public place, be mindful of that."

Please be respectful out there,
Monika Wieland
Friday Harbor, WA
www.orcawatcher.com
mailto:monika.wieland at gmail.com