Hopeful

My fingers are crossed that we might see a barred owl again. During a recent talk I was
 asked about birding protocol. The most important behavior is RESPECT. Birds are here as our guests. They don't want or need to be startled, mobbed, chased. First do no harm.  No flash when owls are visiting. I've seen birds flinch from the flash. No shoving other nature lovers out of the way. Birding is not a gladiator sport. Stop, look, listen. Bird watching should be fun,  but the welfare of the birds comes first. Nobody with a camera has the God given right to create havoc.
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