I birded several times this past weekend. Saw at least 3 Golden Eagles and
a beautiful Killdeer silhouetted against the snow. In light of the number
of people visiting Highland County I would like to state the following
message concerning upcoming visits:
"It has been rewarding to read so many trip reports Highland County this
winter. But we want to bring to your attention a letter to the editor that
appeared in last week’s issue of The Recorder, our local newspaper. In the
letter, the author acknowledged that birders are certainly welcome in
Highland County, but also expressed concerns over erratic driving, parking
in the middle of the road, gathering in groups in the middle of the road,
and even people using the “facilities” in private yards. Many of the
accounts were from the Wimer Mountain Road area of Highland, obviously a
favorite birding spot for many of us.
Acting as officers of the Bath-Highland Bird Club, we have drafted a
response letter that should appear in this week’s issue of the Recorder.
We acknowledge the author’s concerns and note that the Virginia Society of
Ornithology, of which our club is a member, promotes a set of Principles of
Birding Ethics for birders to follow and abide by statewide. But we also
note the importance of birders visiting counties such as Highland, in terms
of supporting its economic welfare – birders do, after all, overnight in
lodging facilities and purchase gasoline, food, and souvenirs. And no trip
to Highland should be complete without purchasing a jug of maple syrup!
For rural counties such as Highland and Bath, which are struggling to stay
alive and remain relevant in today’s economic and social climates,
sustainable tourism programs are one viable option and attracting birders
should be core components of such plans. we encourage those visiting these
counties to make it known to locals that you are birders and have sought
out their counties for unusual species or birding experiences that you
cannot have elsewhere in the state. But please don’t forget common
courtesy and especially the respect for private property and the rules of
the road while you are there".
Patti Reum, Keith Carson and Marek Smith
Bath/Highland Bird Club officers
--
Patti Reum
