Birds and a Sense of Entitlement

[Anonymous]

**This post is also located on the Simcoe Nature Board**

There has been much discussion when it comes to the subject of baiting (legal here in the province of Ontario) and just how close it is possible to come to raptors (owls especially) without disturbing said subject.

In my opinion, there is a greater problem that is at play here - one which hasn't been addressed at all. That problem is people's sense of entitlement when it comes to photographing or attracting birds for their viewing pleasure. And no, I don't mean the putting up of bird feeders to attract songbirds during the winter months - I'm only talking about raptors.

It is very clear that some people, both photographers and birders alike, will bypass "No Trespassing" signs in order to obtain a picture of a bird.

It is also very clear, from messages on other boards, that people are very demanding and always want the locations of sightings to be described in full detail, including street names and other details which will help someone locate the bird.

So here's my question - what gives anyone the right to DEMAND what information someone provide? If someone has information but doesn't want to give specifics, that is completely up to them. This holds true especially for raptors like the Northern Hawk Owl which met a tragic end.

We ALL need to remember that we don't own these birds, and that we don't have ANY right to encroach upon them and their well being.

So to everyone, stop thinking that these sites and others OWE you anything like an exact location. None of us has ever earned the right to this information - so stop demanding it like it's owed to you.

[qmnonic]

Well said.

While we all derive enjoyment from seeing/hearing some of these great birds, it's not a 'right' for any of us to see them.  

Those who withhold exact locations, are likely helping the birds more than those of us viewing/photographing them.

[P1Guy]

Can I ask why your posting this on numerous sites?

All you doing along with others is fueling a fire, where there should not be a fire.

Soon someone might get hurt, as you and others continue to post about people baiting birds.

What a sad state of affairs, just keep you sightings to you self. I get emails all the time asking
where did you photograph this or that. I tell them in Ontario, and let it slide.

You should do the same, and stop this foolish behaviour as you are now becoming as bad as the baiters.

My 2cents.

[Anonymous]

Numerous sites = 2 sites, so I see your point.  From now on I'll only post here.

Fueling a fire eh?  Yes, I can see how you perceive that.  Interesting thought for you though - whose side do you think I'm taking?  I remind you of a thread that occurred last year under the topic "How close is too close?" and subsequently ask you - who's side do you think I'm on?  The birds.  Quite frankly, and as I've said before, there are and always will be guilty parties on ALL sides here, so stop thinking that I'm pitting one side against the other.

When it comes to baiting birds - yes, I have strong feelings about it, and you know what?  So do biologists who work for the MNR, so do other birders, and so do photographers.  You state that soon someone might get hurt.  I'll put this in big cap locked print so that you and others are clear on my thoughts on that.

THERE IS NO LEGITIMATE REASON FOR ANYONE TO HARM/INJURE OR HARRASS ANYONE WHO IS FOUND BAITING A BIRD.  IT IS NOT AGAINST THE LAW, AND PEOPLE DOING IT ARE ENTITLED TO DO IT.  IF YOU CHOOSE TO HARM/INJURE OR HARRASS ANYONE WHO IS FOUND TO BE BAITING A BIRD, THEN YOU ARE NOT SOMEONE WHO CARES ENOUGH TO DO THE RIGHT THING.  IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE WELFARE OF THE BIRD, THEN CALL A CONSERVATION OFFICER AND EXPLAIN THE SITUATION TO THEM AND THEY, WHO REPRESENT THE LAW, WILL MAKE THE DECISION ABOUT WHAT CAN OR CAN'T BE DONE.

Hope that makes it clear enough for you as to what my position on this matter is?

And to let you know, I do keep the majority of my sightings to myself.  That's why you'll see generic reports about what I see, and if I do see anything noteworthy or of interest I'll rarely include it in my post.  The sole exception was the Peregrine attack of a Snowy Owl, something that I know hasn't been recorded or mentioned anywhere.

As for your comment about becoming as bad as the baiters, I appreciate your sentiment.  But if you think that baiters are bad, then why not say something to that effect?  It always appears that people get their knickers in a knot (no, not you P1Guy), as soon as someone takes a side on something that they may agree or disagree with.  I'm not nor ever have been a baiter, and that is a personal call.  As I stated above, people have the right to do it.  As with most things, there hasn't been enough research done by anyone to figure out if this is a good thing or a bad thing.  People are split, and believe me, it's got nothing to do with something that I write on a website.

Hope you don't mind my nickle.