I am glad you wrote this, Joel. I've been following the threads on this
subject with interest but also feeling like something was missing. Birding
conservation as well as birding etiquette are those pieces for me. Sharing
birds with people is pretty much my most favorite thing to do in the world.
However, this week I had a couple of experiences that left me feeling sour.
I won't delve into the negative here but we need people not only to love
birds but to care for them. Just getting a great photo to add to your
collection or a checkmark on your list does not help the birds. I want the
birds to come first. I want every organization I participate with to
promote birds first as well. I don't think we should separate conservation
from recreation. They need to go together.
Laura Paulson
currently Seal Rock, OR
On Fri, Jun 22, 2018 at 8:10 PM, Joel Geier <joel.geier@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
Now that we've thoroughly discussed the "HOW" end of this question, I
thought I'd put the "WHY" question out there. Perhaps these issues are
more fundamental.
What should be the goals and purpose of a statewide birding
organization?
The discussion on OBOL so far has mainly stressed the social aspects.
Caleb's post on this was certainly eloquent. A few have also mentioned
scientific angles.
I agree, these things are important. But I'm disappointed that no one
mentioned bird conservation.
Just speaking for myself, personally, I see no point in putting energy
into an organization that doesn't put bird conservation front and
center.
This recent article from High Country News provides an interesting and
sobering perspective on outdoor recreation in general. Although
"birdwatching" gets a favorable mention, I wonder if "birding" as it's
practiced nowadays really fits into the preconceptions of the author.
https://www.hcn.org/issues/50.8/recreation-your-stoke-wont-save-us
Bottom line, we need to be putting some energy back into the resource
that we all enjoy. What organization is doing that for birders in
Oregon?
--
Joel Geier
Camp Adair area north of Corvallis
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