FW: Re: [mou] Comments on MOURC, long

[Jim Ryan]

Great comments Jim Williams. Laura Erickson nails the point by 
distinguishing birding (a self centered pleasure or obsession, depending on 
ones personality) from Ornithology (attempt to objectively quantify, 
qualify, understand and aid birds). Both are fine pursuits, with much 
overlap.

Though many birders are as casual as Mike suggests (some even more so) even 
birding is far from simple for the listers. Large investments of time, 
energy and money are spent counting, tracking, comparing, etc., to satisfy 
the desire. I guarantee none of the regular posters on this list use 
borrowed binoculars and a field guide from the library (though they may have 
began that way).

I did a big year in '02 and quickly realized how those who get the biggest 
lists are those who can afford to spend the most time afield, and are 
willing to log the most miles on their car. (Maybe using a borrowed car is a 
good idea for this hobby??)

I try to give back to the birds by participating in multiple CBCs and a BBS. 
I am considering project feeder watch and adding my sitings to the ebird 
database.

Maybe MOU membership should require its members to participate in a 
Christmas count or BBS or Project feeder watch, so they are actually 
contributing to the scientific database, and can truly call themselves 
Ornithologists, instead of merely birders. I have done these things and am 
willing to continue, because its fun and it's for the love of the birds.

I have nothing against the MOU and want to continue to support it. My thanks 
to all who volunteer time and effort in its Maintenance and progress. Is 
there some way it could get State and/or Federal funding (or does this 
already occur?) since it has genuine scientific goals and values? Value that 
extends far beyond those who enjoy the birds. That way some people would be 
paid to further knowledge of the birds.

Jim in S. Mpls. (Longfellow)
Hennepin County

'If all the animals were gone, we would die from loneliness of spirit, for 
whatever happens to the animals soon happens to us. We are part of the 
earth, and it is a part of us. This we know: all things are connected like 
the blood which unites one family. Man did not weave the web of life; he is 
merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.'  
Chief Seattle, 1854

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