Hi folks,
I recently noticed that in the UK, it is common when they have rare bird
chases on private property, eg. such as a Common Nighthawk that was found
in someone's garden last month, that the leaders & homeowners raise money
for charity, charging a small fee for folks to see the bird.
If I had known of this tradition, I would have charged for folks to see the
Hooded Oriole I once had in my King County yard.

By way of example, the Red-flanked Bluetail and the Siberian Accentor had
SO many visitors to people's yards, that much money could have been raised
for a local bird rehab, an honor I would have been happy to have organised
(so please think of me if you need help doing this in the future).

In the UK, they also raise money for medical concerns such as a spinal
unit. Here we can raise money for research into diseases so badly needed
(eg. such as breast/prostate cancer or ALS). I would have been so happy to
have given $ to see that bird. I suggest sliding scale, to prevent
excluding folks, especially young birders who can't even afford a scope,
let alone have to have parents drive them to their chases. I know we have a
lot of generous and very kind birders here in the state. In doing so, the
homeowners might also feel more lenient towards having a long line of
scopes pointed at their homes, if they felt some good they could empathise
with was coming from it. (Although some homeowners may be beyond reach
with regard to that, I admit.)

Thank you so much for hearing me on this subject. I am sure it's not new
here, and must have been done before here, but just not in my experience. I
would love to hear of times when it has been done.

Excellent Owloweening to all!

N Drisseq

Ps. Ok OK. I also admit to being the birder who brought her cat to the Snow
Bunting. His life list is growing, currently only at 89, since he's only
two years old and 'indoors only'. Luckily, we live by a small lake so he
gets waterbirds. But that was his first vagrant. Let's hear it for Blue! He
only sees birds, he never "gets" them though. He really enjoys visiting
with the very tame Canada Geese, it's so funny.