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eventually the approval to take birds was withdrawn (after a few were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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