Matt and Rick,

Thanks for the feedback on my post. I'm a big fan of precise wording, and I should have had an extra cup of coffee and re-read my Harford post.

The typo "Edgewater," rather than the correct "Edgewood Arsenal," can be attributed to my living in Anne Arundel Co. :)  Sorry about that.

Rick, I understand all of your points about reporting from such areas, but I didn't realize their was such routine survey work. I certainly wouldn't want to belittle useful data-gathering done by anyone. However, as someone who follows trends on all species' distributions in the state (and surrounding states), these areas have been largely "black holes" in terms of bird presence (or absence). I know that one could expect some negative comments when posting good birds at an off-limits site, but I think there is value with sharing the data. For example, if there were a big flock of redpolls reported on the airfield, we could still visit Swan Harbor. I am always excited to read Poplar Island posts despite never having had the opportunity to visit. 

Perhaps we can convince more birders to post from these locations? I know I would be a strong proponent! 

Thanks for the kind words, Rick. We are certainly an all-around suspicious-looking group. :)  

Thanks again,

Bill
 
Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com

----- Original Message ----
From: Rick Cheicante <>
To: 
Sent: Monday, February 4, 2008 8:28:42 AM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Edgewater and Aberdeen Proving Grounds (and vicinity)

 Bill,

Thanks  for  the  lists.   It  was  certainly  a  beautiful  day  to  be  out  viewing  birds 
along  the  water.   I  always  love  your  posts  and  especially  appreciate  your 
photography  (Your  Elegant  Trogon  is  a  MUST  see!).   However,  I  did  not 
necessarily  agree  with  your  opinion  that  Edgewood  and  APG  are  little  covered.  
In  fact,  these  areas  are  thoroughly  covered  through  multiple  layers  of  security 
beyond  the  front  gate.   A  number  of  excellent  birders  from  Harford  (and  Cecil) 
work  on  these  posts  and  check  the  areas  routinely.   You  would  be  surprised  at 
how  well  these  areas  are  in  fact  covered,  especially  on  the  Mid-Winter  Count.  
However,  there  is  a  certain  amount  of  discretion  required  when  reporting  from 
these  "High  Security"  areas.   Most  folks  without  access  have  demonstrated 
disappointment  in  reported  birds  from  these  areas.   So  the  dilemma  is  just 
that,  "how  much  bird  exposure  do  you  give  to  an  area  that  is  non-public  (i.e. 
federally-controlled  access  even  though  technically  we  all  own  it)  on  a 
preferably  public-access  forum."   In  fact  I'll  leave  that  as  an  open  question.  
But  the  area  is  covered,  I  just  didn't  want  folks  to  get  the  wrong  idea  about 
these  areas.   Suspicious  behavior  is  to  be  reported.   And  here's  a  laugher,  tell 
me  bird-watching  doesn't  look  suspicious  at  times  from  a  "what  are  you  looking 
at?"  set  of  eyes!!

Rick  Cheicante
Harford  County
Bel  Air,  MD