Bird watching trip report

[rob@wilson.org]

Somehow we dismissed all 5 children for the weekend and headed out to Cummins Nature Preserve. Being our first time there we stopped at the info center and checked out the map and picked up a brochure. We made sure all of our binoculars were in good working order. Notebook with blank pages, check. Working pen, check. Spare pen, check. Bird books, check. Off we went. We hadn't even walked a quarter mile when we noticed a finch size bird working in a tree near the path we were on. It turned out to be a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher! Not even a quarter mile in and we added a bird to our bird list, how special is that? So we watched both the male and female building a nest for about 5 minutes. Made notes in our notebook. And then went and protested fisherman at the local lake.

So now I ask you, what is wrong with bird watching?

Ok, so the wife is into birds, but we would never want to see beaches closed to fishing because of a rare plover or whatever. I guess my point is, if you see us walking the beach watching birds together, don't assume it was our fault the beaches are getting closed. We watch birds together, we fish together.

It seems like there is a lot of resentment on this board towards bird watchers. I could be wrong, as I just started reading this forum again, but it seems there is. My thought is, most bird watchers could care less about people fishing. It's the few extremist that seem to exist in everything that take it too far.

So here is your chance to tell me why I'm wrong for being a bird watcher? Let the insults flow. I know it will all be in good fun.

Rob

I believe I add new birds all the time while fishing.

[ffemtreed]

Nothing wrong with being a birdwatcher.

I view it as birdwatchers hate fisherman just as much as fisherman hate birdwatchers.

Now those ecoterrorists down in NC, YES I truly to hate each and every one of them.

[Mark G]

Anytime something negative happens to a group there will always be finger pointing and blaming, most of the time it is simply mis-placed anger.

It is likely more frustrating to be angry and have no one to blame,than it is to convientently vent in the wrong direction.

[basstardo]

Made notes in our notebook. And then went and protested fisherman at the local lake.

It's nice and all that you like birds, but why protest a fisherman at a local lake? Why even post this? Are you trying to stir the pot or are you actually try to ask a meaningful question here? I think we've all had just about enough man-drama for the year, so this serves no purpose.

[jcreamer]

It's nice and all that you like birds, but why protest a fisherman at a local lake? Why even post this? Are you trying to stir the pot or are you actually try to ask a meaningful question here? I think we've all had just about enough man-drama for the year, so this serves no purpose.
I agree..Why even bring something like this up on a fishing forum. That is crazy.:fishing::fishing:

[rob@wilson.org]

It's nice and all that you like birds, but why protest a fisherman at a local lake? Why even post this?

The going and protesting a fisherman was a joke. I posted this message just to try and figure out why the dislike for birds and bird watchers. We fish, we watch birds. We like to do both. I imagine a lot of fisherman also bird watch.

Like I said, I haven't been on the boards for some time and I'm reading a bunch of messages that talk about using plovers, Audobon Society Members and other things as sharks bait (just as my tongue in cheek protest comment, I understand humor). But there have been plenty of comments here that have been negative in general towards bird and bird watchers. Why? I know some beaches have been shut down, but that's not because of your average bird watcher. I see the same thing on hunting message boards talking about WMA no longer allowing hunting and they blame the birders. Makes no sense to me and I want to know why. That's why I posted the message.

Rob

I believe 4 daughters and 1 son, I have enough drama but can always handle more.

[rob@wilson.org]

I agree..Why even bring something like this up on a fishing forum. That is crazy.:fishing::fishing:

This is the lounge though man. And I'm trying to find out if I'm going to be persecuted for watching birds when I'm not fishing when I head down to OBX.

Rob

I believe it's funny that my birding question is getting more responses than my fishing question when this is a fishing forum.

[basstardo]

I agree with you, it's not the average bird watchers fault, but this isn't the place for it. You're probably not going to get a very warm welcome back given the current situation. People's livelihoods are being ruined, and some have already lost their jobs because of these closures. Don't misunderstand me, I don't mean to be rude, but there isn't anything funny about it. I think more tolerance on both sides would be nice, but unfortunately that isn't the case.

[rob@wilson.org]

I agree with you, it's not the average bird watchers fault, but this isn't the place for it. You're probably not going to get a very warm welcome back given the current situation. People's livelihoods are being ruined, and some have already lost their jobs because of these closures. Don't misunderstand me, I don't mean to be rude, but there isn't anything funny about it. I think more tolerance on both sides would be nice, but unfortunately that isn't the case.

Ok, so I could have skipped the poor attempt at humor with the bird watching trip report. But it does help to illustrate there isn't much of a difference between bird watching, hunting, fishing, camping, roller coaster enthusiast. They all do what they love and for the most part are not bothered by other people's interest. They all post trip reports on message boards about recent outings. My point as stated in the original post was just that. In a couple weeks when we are camping down OBX and you see my wife and I out bird watching, think nothing of it. If I’m not bird watching or playing with the kids, I will be fishing. From the post I've read on this board, it seems there is a lot of strong negative feelings about people that watch birds and the birds they watch. I could be wrong, but that seems to be misplaced anger as most of the bird watchers (nor the birds) have done anything to contribute to the problems being experienced by the fishermen.

Rob

I believe I am sorry if anything I posted has upset someone that has lost a job or his or her livelihood because of bird watchers.

I also believe I stand by my post at this point until you convince me they should never have been posted.

[Cdog]

Are you a member of the AutoBan Society? If so you are helping get the beaches closed.

[Mark G]

The going and protesting a fisherman was a joke. I posted this message just to try and figure out why the dislike for birds and bird watchers. We fish, we watch birds. We like to do both. I imagine a lot of fisherman also bird watch.

Like I said, I haven't been on the boards for some time and I'm reading a bunch of messages that talk about using plovers, Audobon Society Members and other things as sharks bait (just as my tongue in cheek protest comment, I understand humor). But there have been plenty of comments here that have been negative in general towards bird and bird watchers. Why? I know some beaches have been shut down, but that's not because of your average bird watcher. I see the same thing on hunting message boards talking about WMA no longer allowing hunting and they blame the birders. Makes no sense to me and I want to know why. That's why I posted the message.

Rob

I believe 4 daughters and 1 son, I have enough drama but can always handle more.

The mis-perception is that the bird-watchers are to blame.

Why?

Logic would suggest if no one cared about watching birds- no one would care if the birds existed (as if there only reason for existence was to fascinate bird-watchers).

If no one cared about the birds existence- there would be no need to protect them.

No need to protect them would mean no infringement on the rights of fisher (people) to do there thing.

So - Let's whack all the bird watchers and that should take care of things :rolleyes:


Then we can go back to our own self-interests without a care for what may happen to other species outside our own interests.

It is this type of logic that actually hurts the fishing cause- not helps it.


While it may seem illogical- it is nevertheless human nature to look after one's own self-interests first.

Misplaced anger or not, you won't find many here chuckling over your tongue in cheek attempt at humor- ala the joke about protesting the fisherman.

Understandably frustration is at an all-time high-

many are as passionate about fishing as some may be about bird watching- a lot of people have cancelled vacations that they look forward to - so joking to them about there loss of freedom (beach driving) is like putting a cat in a sack and poking it with a stick- your only adding insult to injury.

[Shooter]

Think of it this way,,,,
Some bird watchers just happen to see a Plover in front of your place of work and they call it in, next morning you show up to work and it's shut down because they say the birds are more important than you making a living.

These birds are not rare, you want to see all the plovers you can stand go way up North where they mainly live and breed.

We don't hate the birds, we don't hate most bird watchers what we mainly hate is the lies and how a select few have worked the system to shut down almost an entire area and put our friends and how they make a living at risk.

[rob@wilson.org]

Are you a member of the AutoBan Society? If so you are helping get the beaches closed.

Actually I'm not, but that brings up a good point. I admit I haven't followed all of it the past couple years, but the tension has been around longer than that. The "AutoBan Society" is using dues to fund their PAC and influence people in power. What society does the coastal fishing enthusiast have? Not trying to sound stupid here, but is there any national organization that was looking out for your/our interest? I used to be a member of BASS and the NRA, so they helped protect those interest of mine. Does it exist for coastal fishing? And if it does exist, are you a member? How about the other people here, who else is a member? Not saying that any fishing organization could have stopped this from happening and even the NRA has lost this battle in WMA’s, I just do not know the answer so I’m asking the question.

Rob

I believe my reply’s might sound like I’m arguing for the “AutoBan”, but they really aren’t.

[AL_N_VB]

Nothing wrong with bird watching as a hobby.
As long as you do not infringe on other's rights, property nor disrespect other folks...do what interests you.

Its those special interest groups that force their opinions on others and have caused a severe affect on a way of life...those are the ones that leave folks with a bad taste in their mouths and stero-type certain hobbies.

[rob@wilson.org]

Misplaced anger or not, you won't find many here chuckling over your tongue in cheek attempt at humor- ala the joke about protesting the fisherman.


If I would have realized how sensitive the situation is, I would not have joked about it. However, I would still have made the post and still feel my questions/concerns about the attitude towards bird watchers are legitimate.

And thanks for the reply.

Rob

[rob@wilson.org]

We don't hate the birds, we don't hate most bird watchers what we mainly hate is the lies and how a select few have worked the system to shut down almost an entire area and put our friends and how they make a living at risk.

Ok, so let me ask this. Will I be able to fish when I get down there? I'm talking just walking from my camper down to the beach and fishing? We are staying in Waves. Or am I taking this comment to litteral?

I guess I'm doing what Surf Cat talked about and considering my own interest first. But if it is completely shut down or if I won't be able to go to a bait shop and get what I need once I'm there, then I'm not even going to bother lugging all my stuff down there.

Rob

[Fishbreath]

So here is your chance to tell me why I'm wrong for being a bird watcher?



Rob, you're not wrong for BEING a bird watcher. Its the extremists that believe fishermen are derelicts that mindlessly run over nests laughing all the way. The extremist perception and approach is all wrong.

[ffemtreed]

Walking is closed off also, NO ACCESS for 90% of the beach!!!!


Ok, so let me ask this. Will I be able to fish when I get down there? I'm talking just walking from my camper down to the beach and fishing? We are staying in Waves. Or am I taking this comment to litteral?

I guess I'm doing what Surf Cat talked about and considering my own interest first. But if it is completely shut down or if I won't be able to go to a bait shop and get what I need once I'm there, then I'm not even going to bother lugging all my stuff down there.

Rob

[Cdog]

Actually I'm not, but that brings up a good point. I admit I haven't followed all of it the past couple years, but the tension has been around longer than that. The "AutoBan Society" is using dues to fund their PAC and influence people in power. What society does the coastal fishing enthusiast have? Not trying to sound stupid here, but is there any national organization that was looking out for your/our interest? I used to be a member of BASS and the NRA, so they helped protect those interest of mine. Does it exist for coastal fishing? And if it does exist, are you a member? How about the other people here, who else is a member? Not saying that any fishing organization could have stopped this from happening and even the NRA has lost this battle in WMA’s, I just do not know the answer so I’m asking the question.

Rob

I believe my reply’s might sound like I’m arguing for the “AutoBan”, but they really aren’t.

Rob, the short answer is no we do not have a national organization looking out for us.

That is a large part of the problem.

There are major closures and no one out side of the OBX fishing Msg boards seems to know about it.

Alot of people are going to get a rude awaking this holiday weekend that have no idea how much beach is inaccessable.

[basstardo]

Alot of people are going to get a rude awaking this holiday weekend that have no idea how much beach is inaccessable.

Ain't that the truth. I have a feeling we're going to have even less beaches open after this weekend though. :eek: Hopefully the folks handing out flyers will help.

[sand flea]

Hell, I like birds. I've memorized most of the species. And I love sea turtles--anything that was bobbing around out there when dinosaurs roamed the Earth deserves some respect and protection. You haven't lived until you've seen a giant loggerhead pull herself up on the beach and lay her eggs, or watched those same eggs hatch and hundreds of teeny little reptiles flop themselves into the surf against all odds.

The original point--if I understand it correctly--is that people who love all these animals that haunt the beach are not the enemy. Reasonable people respect reasonable restrictions. Idiots who tear down fences or sue to drive out one group so they can have the whole thing to themselves are the real enemy.

[saltandsand]

Enough non-sense. Here's the facts. In order to bring balance to this entire fiasco here's what needs to happen:

1.) Anglers need to become part of the anti-fishing, bird watching, land grabbing groups and monitor their agenda, their actions, the accuracy of their asserted facts, etc.
2.) Anglers need to defend against the lying bird watchers who are purposefully antagonizing and frustrating the purpose through possible acts of sabotage to spur the NPS to enlarge closure areas. Essentially it's called monitoring the beaches, something that's natural to a fisherman, except this time it's called fishing for subversive bird watchers who are leveraging through an agreement that is biased to their agenda.
3.) Anglers need to set up shell organizations with an agenda that is politically correct, and through this organization they need to ply an agenda through lies, deceit and all other acts of trickery. Essentially this is to meet those other groups in a manner that they operate, to balance the political agenda and sway the thoughts of the body politic. To adopt an ability to act INANE.

Now the problem: Most fishermen are good, honest and moral people, practicing the wholesome values that they preach which are so intrinsic to their good nature such that a fisherman become his own worse enemy. If you want balance a game being played with an unbalanced deck then you'll need to look beyond playing an even game, loose your high strung view and put a few cards Aces up your sleeve. Honest people are taken advantage of every day and this is the way it is, so start policing them who act as though their dishonest ways can continue with impugnity.

[saltandsand]

You know, on second thought, how about a room on the board for "birdwatching"? A wholesome room where good things and accurate observations can be shared.

Heck, I dunno but who ever is messing with those signs needs to be CAUGHT, FINED, TARRED AND FEATHERED WITH THE DOWN OF THE FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS THAT THEY ARE ALL SO GLAD TO PRETEND TO BE PROTECTING.

Why not start passing signs for 4x4's? Something like "Anglers Monitoring for the Protection of Plovers (AMPOP)? Make it clear that fishermen are keeping an eye out to protect and enforce the agreement and ensure that subversives receive EQUAL TREATMENT UNDER THE LAW.

BTW: I love watching birds, especially when they are ganging up on a pod of baitfish and signaling a potential fish catching blitz!!

"Idiots who tear down fences or sue to drive out one group so they can have the whole thing to themselves are the real enemy." <-- Couldn't agree more.

To adopt an ability to sell a position that is INANE.

[dood]

inane (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inane)
Main Entry: 1inane
Pronunciation: \i-ˈnān\
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): inan·er; inan·est
Etymology: Latin inanis
Date: 1662
1 : empty, insubstantial
2 : lacking significance, meaning, or point : silly <inane comments>
synonyms see insipid
— inane·ly adverb
— inane·ness \-ˈnān-nəs\ noun

[saltandsand]

I liked it so much I edited my two prior posts to incorporte the one word comment.


INANE That sizes it up.

Inaneness, it's the new age PC way to be!!

'Got INANE?'

[drawinout]

I'm afraid you guys bird watching days might not ever be the same really. So many restrictions on the beaches leads to a loss of the majority of their visitors.. Losing the majority of the visitors equals a major loss of revenue for small mom and pop shops.... I know if I lived down there I'd certainly be pissed about everything that's going on.... There are alot of angry people right now... I'm not going as far as to say that bird watching is wrong, or anything like that... I'm just saying I wouldn't imagine it will be so pleasant for you out there in the near future.... I mean, lets face it, I don't think it's the birdwatchers putting food on the table of locals down there........ I certainly don't have anything personal against the birdwatchers, but at the same time, there are alot of pissed off people..... I'm just guessing there is going to be a bit of friction for quite some time... I mean, alot of people did just have generations of tradition and way of life ripped out from under them....

[rob@wilson.org]

Heck, I dunno but who ever is messing with those signs needs to be CAUGHT, FINED, TARRED AND FEATHERED WITH THE DOWN OF THE FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS THAT THEY ARE ALL SO GLAD TO PRETEND TO BE PROTECTING.
INANE.

Ok, so this shows how little we here about it in the midwest. What's up with the signs people keep mentioning? What are the signs and what side is ripping them down or doing whatever they are doing to them?

Rob

[ffemtreed]

Ok, so this shows how little we here about it in the midwest. What's up with the signs people keep mentioning? What are the signs and what side is ripping them down or doing whatever they are doing to them?

Rob

The closure signs marking the "protected area".

When the area is breached, the protected area grows by a certain distance.

So the eco-terrorists have been damaging the stuff on purpose so the closure area is increased. Its all part of their master plan to shut it ALL down.

[saltandsand]

Ok, so this shows how little we here about it in the midwest. What's up with the signs people keep mentioning? What are the signs and what side is ripping them down or doing whatever they are doing to them?

Rob

The Consent Agreement has a condition that vandalism or invasion of areas designated as being protected or, even worse, injury, disturbance or killing of birds or fledglings will cause the protected zone to be increased. This happens in increments with the protected area increasing in significant size for multiple occurrences.

Someone has been messing with the signs. No conclusion has been made as to whom. There is no evidence of it being fishermen (no usual tell tale signs that the bird watchers have argued are left behind by fishermen...sarcasm.) Anyway, it's a suspicion that the plaintiffs or their agents are messing with the signs so as to have the protected areas increased. Thereby the "grab control" on an evermore increasing mass of land. Keeping foot traffic, ORV from a larger portion of land will avail for more nesting. So the newly enlarged land isn't protected because it currently has nests but because it gets such protection under the Agreement. Now the good part, it's like a battle line, as the areas get larger and larger then absence of human interaction, alas more nests, an ever increasing protected area, and so on and so on. This is the not reasonable but it goes to show that the objective is taking over as much of the islands as possible.

Don't act like it doesn't affect you. Soon such a cause will take over parks and natural areas around all of us. It won't be the plover. It'll be some bug, tree, flower, bush or whatever. The hyper-green agenda will have us all locked in our homes and restricted to movement inside of cities. The days of being a naturalist, conservationist and sportsman will be over. You'll be imprisoned in the "urban-suburban jungle." Chit...next thing ya know you'll have to move out of your house, or close your place of work because some marginally threatened species of grass, bug or worm has decided to grow in your lawn.

[saltandsand]

Its all part of their master plan to shut it "ALL" down.



Yep... the target/objective is ALL


"Got Inane?"