It is indeed unfortunate Greg but hardly unique. When we had a Little
Curlew locally (Werribee) some years ago I know quite a few birders were
seen trespassing on the farm to see the bird - mostly Aussies. On a number
of occasions I have seen birders - again I suspect Aussies - behaving badly
at the local treatment plant. Some people believe they have the right to do
what they like to see rare bird and not worry about the long term results.
So yes - boycott this guy if he asks for help, but don't blame the Dutch!
On 8 Dec 2014 17:33, "Greg Roberts" <> wrote:
>
>
> The irresponsible behaviour of a visiting Dutch birder has seriously
> compromised efforts to protect a valuable wetland and waterbird
> habitat on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
> An impressive list of species that are rare in south-east Queensland
> for the Yandina Creek Wetlands includes Eastern Grass Owl, Red-backed
> Buttonquail, Large-tailed Nightjar, Australian Spotted Crake,
> Australian Painted Snipe, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Lewin's Rail, King
> Quail, Black-necked Stork, Australian Little Bittern and Black-tailed
> Native-hen. The extent and richness of the wetlands was unknown until
> recently, when I stumbled upon a large area of marshland while
> surveying the boundaries of two sugar cane farms that I have
> permission to bird on. I submitted an application to the Sunshine
> Coast Regional Council for the acquisition of three properties
> covering 200 hectares under its land conservation program. Various
> birding and environmental organisations supported the application and
> efforts were underway the identify the owners of the properties to
> seek their permission for a comprehensive survey of the area by a team
> of experts.
> I published some of the interesting bird records to draw attention to
> the site, and several people contacted me to seek information about
> visiting. I explained why there was no public access at this time.
> This information was conveyed in no uncertain terms by me and other
> locals to a visiting Dutch birder, Pieter De Groot Boesma. However,
> Pieter decided to ignore that advice and enter the properties without
> permission. He was found by the owners and when questioned, he told
> them the site was being used for birding tours. This information was
> false but the owners, upset that people were trespassing and
> apparently using their land for commercial purposes without
> permission, have placed a ban on any birders entering the properties.
> Worse, the owners have refused permission for a team of experts to
> survey the area, and have indicated they are not interested in
> negotiating a sale to the council. Those interested in protecting the
> area were deprived of the opportunity of first contact to establish a
> good relationship with the property owners.
> Pieter has enjoyed the hospitality of several Australian birders
> through birding-pal. It is disappointing that he repays that kindness
> with behaviour of this kind. I notice today that Pieter posted
> photographs of mine from Saturday's Sunshine Coast pelagic on social
> media without acknowledgement, so the lad has form if nothing else.
> Greg Roberts
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