Speaking as someone who recently hosted a rarity, I have a few thoughts on
the charity proposal. Firstly, I am in the category of people who do not
chase rare birds, so I would never have known about such fund
raising. Secondly, and probably more importantly, I cannot imagine how I
would have monitored that. If you put a box out, it always runs the risk of
being stolen. It would have been one added layer of my responsibility
hosting this bird. I had my hands full managing the crowds. I cannot
imagine trying to gather money from everyone. Many people offered to make a
donation to the cause of my choice. I thought those were wonderful offers
and took each person up on it. So, perhaps leave it up to each individual,
or one of the rare bird chasers may have to step up to assume the full
responsibility for organizing this effort. Hosting a rarity is an
overwhelming experience, and I would not relish adding a major task.

Nancy Morrison