American Bittern in Cornwall

[Adam Cheeseman]

Well here we go again. An American Bittern has turned up in the far reaches of west Cornwall (news released last night) and there are already reports coming out of individuals doing all they can to 'get' the bird rather than waiting and watching like the majority will do. Let the twitcher baiting begin. Cornwall birdwatchers have a reputation for hushing up rarities when they turn up and with idiots around who spoil it for the masses it's no wonder they do keep shtum. Particularly after the Snowy Owl debacle last year.

Let's hope the irresponsible few can be kept in order by those that know and care better.

I'm glad I can't afford or have the time to go, as I fear it would be a lost cause watching the backsides of muppets stomping around the area this bird is in.

Cheers,

Adam

[RobS]

Not seen since this morning.

What was the debacle regarding the Snowy Owl - I did actually go to see that as it was one of the UK's regulars. I remember driving along and seeing Cattle Egret in flight and saying 'there is it!' to my passenger!

It was bloody cold I remember but I did get to see it even if it was a long way off.

Rob S

[Adam Cheeseman]

Hi Rob,

Many visiting birders not happy with seeing the owl through their scopes had to go as close as they could and kept flushing it for pretty much the entire time it was there. Really hacked off the Cornish birders I can tell you. The Cornish birders have always been fairly cautious about releasing news of rarities and there was some debate about whether or not to release the news of the Green Heron recently. Norfolk folks are heading that way too. Suppression of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak for example.

Cheers,

Adam

[RobS]

Oh that is stupid mind you there were walkers nearby who could easily have flushed it, probably did.

I've seen two RBGs when and where was that one then?

I would have thought the Green Heron was easy to manage - no?

Rob S

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by RobS

Oh that is stupid mind you there were walkers nearby who could easily have flushed it, probably did.

I've seen two RBGs when and where was that one then?

I would have thought the Green Heron was easy to manage - no?

Rob S

The RBG was a couple of years ago, can't remember what the site was, not one of the well known places. The news was released after the bird had gone.

Yes I would agree that the Green Heron is an easy one to manage, but it comes down to individuals willing to abide by the rules and unfortunately there are many out there who aren't. It's them and the repeated occurrences of misbehaviour at twitches in Cornwall and indeed other areas that is seeing local birders keeping the news suppressed to just those that live in the area to avoid more bad feelings about visiting birders and inn some cases damage to the property the bird is on.

Cheers,

Adam

[Robert S J Smith]

I think your talking about the Holme RBG...