Lawrie:
The text you posted sounds similar to what I am trying to do with
Interpretive Birding. I have recently returned from a speaking tour of
NSW, Victoria and SE Queensland during which time I ran IB outings (BTW I
more than doubled the subscription base of the Australian edition of the IB
Bulletin). I had fun on the walks, etc. but I was amazed to learn how many
people watch birds with blinders on ... i.e. many of them only see what they
expect to see ... strongly influenced by expert opinion and what they have
read in books, etc. Doing this limited form of birding is not only
intellectually stifling, but I feel only discourages participation from
young people who do not what to be told how to behave, what to think and
what is important.
I initially hesitated to post this message because I know there are a lot
of good, open minded people who are birdwatchers and naturalists, but after
my recent experiences, I believe that my observations are accurate enough to
draw a few conclusions ... I also learned that it only takes a few dominate
personalities to influence, even ruin, a walk. I will continue to interact
with establish groups, but I now plan to try to reach a younger group as
well. It will be a challenge if nothing else.
Cheers, Jim
Dr Wm James Davis, Editor
Interpretive Birding Bulletin
www.ibirding.com
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