[mou] Rare Bird Disturbance - White-eyed Vireo in MN, Loggerhead Shrike in WI

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

Seems that we have a clash of goals here.

We want to see the rare birds.  We want to protect the rare birds.  Both are 
goods; both can be pursued in poor ways.

Here's a few potential suggestions towards the solution side of this 
problem - mostly to pursue constructive discussion:

1) The person who originally sees the bird becomes the "project manager". 
She or he has the responsibility to learn the bird's status, then react 
accordingly.  "Accordingly" could be a detailed post if there are no 
problems - a general post that requires backchannel contact to learn more 
details - or acting as the "guide" for viewing the bird with reasonable time 
constraints - or not posting at all - or....

2) Birds in remoter locations might be more open to posting than urban 
birds, which might receive more birding pressure.  For example, don't think 
the Lewis' Woodpecker in northern Wisconsin has received much pressure at 
all.

3) Moderators or acknowledged birding "authorities" could develop and 
distribute short lists and rules about posting rare birds.  I'm not talking 
about something elaborate, rather, at most 8 1/2" by 11" sheet that can be 
quickly perused.

4) Birds that are published cannot be taped - perhaps a bit severe but would 
end the conflict.

Thoughts?

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties