I read this and was?sort of in?agreement and dismayed all boiled up together. I have been a birder for over 25 years and have seen how some people let their dogs run everywhere. They have not concern with the things around themselves . I have seen people who post here on tweeters, feel they are the exception to the rule of keeping distance in order to photograph a rare bird. I?try always to be?careful to not encroach in order?to get a better look at an interesting bird. I have in the past 2 years become a dog person and often have a dog with me when I am out birding. I keep my dog on a leash and to date, this has not ever been? an issue. I also am a photographer ( not professional, by any stretch ) who likes to take pictures of birds, among other things of interest. I have felt the snobbishness of some in?my birding community since I have added a dog to the scene. Please make sure you look at the person, their behavior before you feel the need to lie about what discoveries you have found. Seems a bit on the uppity side to me. I love the fact that so many people enjoy the wildlife around us. I always appreciated the people who were gracious and helpful as I was learning to appreciate birds and not judgmental as I was not the premier expert.

?

Happily birding,

Beth Thompson

Arlington, WA


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----- Original Message -----
From: " vickibiltz " < vickibiltz at gmail .com>
To: "Susan Littlefield " < susan . littlefield at gmail .com>
Cc: tweeters at u. washington . edu
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 8:35:15 AM
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Re: Snowy Owls and people at Damon Point

I have to say concerning photographers that it is usually the ones who are not birders, that stress the birds. They don't have the patience to sit and wait. ?
??When I have seen the stalking behavior of these people, I find they know nothing about birds. If someone is a birder, naturalist, conservationist FIRST, it is a much different story. ?Time and again, ?I have told others the birds are exhausted, but it has little affect. ?
??Regular hikers and dog owners are a huge issue for these birds. ?Last week at Damon Point, there were huskies running loose with owners. When I got out to where the owls were the footprints were all over the place. I would love a leash law where the land opens up. ?As I was walking back to my car from spending time with my only subject, I did encounter a couple with binos and a large mixed breed dog. ?They asked where the birds were. Okay, I have to confess, I LIED. ?

Vicki Biltz
Bonney Lake WA
vickibiltz at gmail .com. ?_______________________________________________
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