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Post by reedmoss on Feb 20, 2019 22:10:27 GMT -8
Hi guys, I know this will probably be a touchy subject but here goes.
I've noticed an influx of pictures on Instagram lately of this bird located somewhere in the lower mainland. Would love to have the chance to see it and photograph it but cannot find out where it is?
I know sharing owl locations is generally frowned upon, but there must have been lots of people there judging by how many pictures I've seen of it.
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Post by Gord on Feb 21, 2019 8:16:06 GMT -8
Hey Reedmoss nice to hear from you and hope you’re getting some good pictures.
I’ve caught wind of the owl you’re probably mentioning but you’re right in terms of location sharing. It is most unfortunate and regrettable that an element of secrecy is needed for the sake of the owls who will otherwise be overrun and pressured by a small but highly impactful group of unethical photographers. Happily the majority of us will not be unethical but unfortunately have to ‘suffer’ due to the minority. It sounds like more and more are going to see this guy but we here will ‘keep to the code’.
They’re cool birds and I hope you get to see one someday!
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Post by graeme45 on Feb 21, 2019 15:54:07 GMT -8
I find this very disappointing...and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Somehow, as readmoss pointed out, many people already know the location of this majestic bird but unless you are part of the birding elite in the lower mainland you are left in the dark. I've been birding for over 20 yrs and have been lucky enough to have 13 owl species on my life list. If it weren't for bird alerts that list would only be 5. Birders are punished because of the actions of photographers. And it seems that keeping the locales "secret" hasn't done much good in this case. I'm all for conservation, and ethics, but rather than punish those truly interested in viewing birds, why not educate. Could conservation officers not oversee the actions of viewers? Could volunteers not ensure everyone is keeping a safe distance? Had I not seen the hawk-owl that showed up on Westham Island 8 yrs ago I'd be a lot more than disappointed.
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Post by Randy on Feb 21, 2019 21:24:27 GMT -8
I certainly understand the frustration but I agree with Gord.
The intention is not to foster elitism but to protect from the mobs that end up showing up, with an unfortunate minority harassing the bird. All it takes is a few to ruin it for everyone.
Sadly I don't think it's realistic to have a full time conservation officer posted to a location, potentially for months although of course that would be ideal. Education is also a great idea but I suspect the ones who this would register with are not the ones causing the problem.
Despite the fact that it has been seen, pursued, and probably harassed by many I think all we can do is our part. This is exactly the reason why eBird has blocked public access to the location of sensitive owl species that are posted. If eBird and Cornell Lab of Ornithology thinks this is important then I cannot help but agree with them.
I would like to add that I have not seen this hawk owl nor do I know the location.
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