[wisb] Re: Question about Smith's Longspurs
- From: "Lutes, Jim" <jim_lutes@xxxxxxx>
- To: Wisconsin Birding Network <wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:10:20 -0500
Hi Joan -
Great question! So, from a purely regulatory standpoint, WPAs are open to
public access for wildlife dependent activities such as hunting, fishing,
wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and
interpretation. I have been excited to read throughout the past couple of
weeks the attention that this property has been receiving! Shameless plug
alert.....there are 54 other such properties throughout Southeastern
Wisconsin! Now, from an ethical and biological standpoint I have to admit I
had concerns regarding enthusiasts repeatedly flushing birds so they could
make positive identification. I guess in my mind I rationalized it in these
ways, 1) It sounds as if, generally, there were groups pf people making the
trek to see the birds. I would rather see several people going out once or
twice in a day than individuals going out throughout the day and
continuously disrupting the birds. 2) The habitat condition of this field
in particular is in a transient stage being a relatively new grassland
planting. In subsequent years the cover in this field will become more
dense than currently exists until we burn it for the first time (which
should be next spring if our schedule holds) so I guess I would say enjoy
it while it lasts. Lastly, along those "enjoy it while it lasts" lines 3)
this is a great opportunity for enthusiasts of all stripes to actually
visualize the changes in community structure and diversity which is brought
about through restoration and management. These early stages of restoration
have been great for these longspurs...what will it be next year? Tune in
and see!
*"Anyone can love the mountains, **it takes soul to love the prairie."*
Jim Lutes
Wildlife Biologist
Horicon NWR/Leopold WMD Complex
W10040 Cascade Mountain Road
Portage, WI 53901
jim_lutes@xxxxxxx
608.742.7100 ext. 17 (Office)
920.948.4763 (Cell)
608.745.0866 (Fax)
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/horicon/
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/leopold/
On Thu, Apr 24, 2014 at 8:11 AM, <jsommer2@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I am not trying to stir the pot but I have a question.
>
> Please don't backchannel me because I am not interested in debating or
> discussing.
>
> I am just wondering why it is ok to have groups of people walking out into
> these fields (which may be questionable in itself) with the sole and only
> purpose to "flush" these birds just so we can see them.
>
> Where is the line that says past this point behavior is harassment.
>
> That's it.
>
> Joan Sommer
> Fredonia
> Northern Ozaukee County
>
>
> ####################
> You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin
> Birding Network (Wisbirdn).
> To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at:
> //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn
> To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at:
> //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn
> Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn
>
>
>
####################
You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin Birding
Network (Wisbirdn).
To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at:
//www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn
To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at:
//www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn
Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn
Other related posts:
