[Birdtalk] ABA listing rules (was "Whip-poor-will")

[Tim Avery]

A simple Google Search for "ABA" will reveal in the 5th spot the AMERICAN 
BIRDING ASSOCIATION.  Putting two and two together it would make sense that 
the rules reffered to were of that organization, as well they should; they 
were related to birds.

Taking some time to check out their website one could learn of the benefits 
of being a member.  Here I'll help and make it easy for those who seem 
impervious to search engine usabilitiy:

http://www.americanbirding.org/memben.htm

Following the "rules", of the ABA aren't meant to be an enticing tidbit. 
And truth be told, they aren't "rules", they are a "code of ethics", to put 
the best interest of a wild bird at stake.  I decided to stay away from this 
topic as I have staunch feelings as it is, but your email came off as the 
sort of, "I don't give a hoot what anyone says, I'll do what I want", an 
attitude, not in the best interest of the birds.

Following a list of recommended ethics to support the well being of a bird 
shouldn't even be a question for ANY birdwatcher, it is simply a standard of 
modern birding, that should be followed.  The point Ryan was trying to make 
with his email was that there was a rare bird, that in this case, maybe more 
than others, care should be taken not to disturb the bird anymore than 
possible just to add a tick to a lifelist, state list, county list, whatever 
list... list list list list list!

Maybe it's the 2 hours of sleep, or the 18 hours of birding in the last 24 
hours that has me at whits end, with a fuse like that of an M-80.  BANG!  Or 
maybe its just common sense, lacking in some, oblivious in others.  When it 
comes to birds, being selfish, and only worrying about that next tick, and 
not caring how you get it, shows a complete lack of birding morals, ethics, 
whatever you want to call it.  The birds are here and we enjoy watching 
them, giving a little respect and space is the least we could do for a rare 
visitor, so delightfully adding a new instrument to the already booming 
chorus of Green Canyon in the evening.

And lastly, the ABA doesn't carry a stick; they aren't a war mongering, oil 
hungry, industrialist that will beat you into submission unless you follow 
there code of ethics, their "laws".  They are a group that does a tremendous 
amount for the birding community in America, and helps promote an activity 
that anyone can enjoy.

And for crimminy sake, sign your posts, its a "rule" of  the birdtalk 
listserv... Another stickless organization!  Bring on the hate mail...

Cheers,

Tim


p.s.  For those unaware (which is mind boggling), the ABA Convention is 
happening right now at Snowbird:

http://www.aba.org/mtgs/2008snowbird/

And  here is a link to their code of ethics for those who missed it:

http://www.americanbirding.org/abaethics.htm