I'd be happy to help and I have already e-mailed Alan.
I understand where Russell is coming from too. He's the listowner and moderator
and as such needs to act in this role. Given he has a day job as well I think
he does remarkably well. I'm absolutely certain he didn't want or intend to
upset Alan.
The end result for Alan is he should get to see the good side of Birding Aus
too and not end up with the wrong opinion of birders here.
I think posting GPS is probably a no-no but any dedicated egg or bird collector
probably knows more than we do and uses the list on the off chance!
Good luck Alan and thanks Russell.
Alan
*******************************************************************************
Alan McBride, MBO.
Photojournalist | Traveller | Writer | Birding Guide +
Member: International Travel Writers & Photographers Alliance
National Association of Independent Writers & Editors
American Writers & Artists Inc.
Travelwriters . com
http://web.me.com/amcbride1
http://www.worldreviewer.com/member/alanmcbride/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/alanmcbride
http://www.twitter.com/alanmcbride
Good planets are hard to find; until we do, please, be green and read from the
screen
Tel: + 61 419 414 860
Fax: + 61 2 9973 2306
Skype: mcbird101
P O Box 190 | Newport Beach | NSW 2106 | Australia
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On 03/03/2010, at 22:34 , Russell Woodford wrote:
Dear Birding-Aus members
I unreservedly apologise for casting doubt on Alan Beszant's request. He has
emailed me a few of his photos, as well as contact details for a number of
birders he has met up with, to prove his bona fides.
I need to explain my caution (some referred to it as "paranoia"):
Some years ago, visiting US researcher used birding-aus to track down bowers
for breeding Satin Bowerbirds. She posted information that showed she had
ethics approval for her study. Then it came to light that she intended to
capture and kill a number of these breeding birds (15 comes to mind but I could
be wrong). She had intended to take the approved number of birds, dissect them
and examine stomach contents, then return in a different season to do the some
with non-breeding birds. This sort of study quickly divides the birding
community, even when the outcomes are to protect birds or improve our
understanding of them so that we can contribute to sustaining a population.
However, this research was for a Psychology student who was merely doing a
comparative study - there was no positive outcome for the birds. There was an
outcry, appeals to JAmes COok Uni who were partners, and eventually the
approval to take birds was withdrawn (after a few were "collected").
I also have fairly convincing info that wild bird collectors have used birding
aus to try to track down certain species or eggs. We have to be a bit careful,
especially when we get a request to see something that might well appeal to
smugglers. I know some birders will not reveal GPS coordinates for certain
species, especially breeding birds.
I erred in posting my doubts about Alan's trip to the whole list, and should
have asked a few discreet questions instead - I'm sorry that I cast any doubts
on the credibility of someone who is clearly a genuine birder - and a fine
photographer.
I hope some of you will help to correct my error by showing him around when he
comes to your area.
Russell Woodford
Birding-Aus List Owner
Geelong Victoria Australia
http://www.birding-aus.org
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