I always feel a little uneasy hearing only one side of a story -
particularly if the story then engenders highly critical comments such as we
are seeing in this thread.
I wonder if there might be a way of inviting Pieter to respond and provide
his side of the story (if indeed there is another side) before we embark on
any more public character assassination. Does anyone know how he might be
contacted?
It's quite possible that the full story is as Greg has presented it - but
there is always the possibility of another perspective. It would be good to
hear that perspective, if it exists, before drawing final conclusions (and
committing to potentially libellous statements).
Regards. Richard
-----Original Message-----
From: Birding-Aus On Behalf Of
Dave Torr
Sent: Monday, 8 December 2014 8:02 PM
To: Greg Roberts
Cc: birding-aus
Subject: Dutch Birder Throws Spanner in Conservation
Campaign Works
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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