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David Geering wrote:
>Increased public awareness, especially if accompanied
by
>financial benefits bought in by birdwatchers, can make a real
difference.
Along this same theme, the following are two letters published in the
American BirdWatcher's Digest and both have interesting solutions.
"To the editor,
Now more than ever, the economic clout that we bird watchers wield in the
communities near birding spots across the country is vital. We have seen many
communities embrace birding and ecotourism, a viable, important, part of the
local economy. Unfortunately, the dollars we spend in many communities are
trifled at by chambers of commerce and other industries (especially those
diametrically opposed to preserving healthy ecosystems). In order for many great
birding sites to survive, we must stand up and be counted. So proudly wear your
binoculars to dinner, ask hotels if they offer birders' specials and let people
know you're in their place of business because of the rich natural resources in
the area. Perhaps we need a bumper sticker or button proclaiming 'Watching Birds
and Spending Money' or something to that effect. I'm afraid some of those
uncrowded special places we all enjoy may be turned into housing developments or
shopping malls. Doug Staller,North Dakota"
"To the editor,
In response to Doug Staller's letter....I enclose a sample of the San
Antonio Audubon Society's 'calling card'. When I hand out this card, I usually
say something like 'we want you to know that bird watchers were here today and
spent money in your place'. I have to admit that I borrowed the idea from the
New Jersey Audubon Society when I found their similar card at Norbury's Landing,
New Jersey, where I had gone to see the springtime convergence of horseshoe
crabs and birds along Delaware Bay. Georgina Schwartz, Texas."
_-- _
|\ Andrew
Patrick
/
CBOC Publicity Officer
\_.---._
/ Cumberland Bird Observers'
Club
o Sydney, (PO Box 550 Baulkham
Hills
1755)
NSW,
Australia
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