Rainbirder, Rainbirder, Go Away

RainBirder: 
1. One who seeks to disparages other birders by raining on their parade due to excessive consumption of sour grapes.

Once again I am flummoxed by folks who look down upon those who are more enthusiastic than themselves. The last time was when the Ivory Billed Woodpecker was supposed to have been rediscovered. Many birders were excited at the prospect.  The question was posed would you go looking now that its been relocated and most responded in the affirmative. One dissenting comment came back: "Why? - isn’t it enough that it exists?" No. Birding is an experience.

So when I saw this posted on the intertubes, I let out another groan.

"In our quest for rare birds to add to our lists, are we pushing too hard?  Is this what has become of our use of social media?  This single post has found its way to the personal address of a homeowner. I am so regretful for the lengths that some of us have gone to capture the unusual bird in the unusual setting. This practice just doesn't feel morally considerate of both the bird populations and the human code of conduct. A single photo and observations of this fascinating find would have sufficed.

I hope someone else is feeling this concern,"

I can find not a thing to agree with in this opine.

I’ll presume that this person is a birder to some degree, otherwise why they would be browsing the lists?  That birders by definition seek out birds seems to have escaped his attention as does the added appeal of rarities. That and one’s level of participation is ~voluntary~.

I like rock and roll and I like going to concerts but stop short of following a band around the country to all their shows. I am prevented by responsibilities that hinder that freedom (or is it a lack of good acid?)  But that doesn’t mean I would disparage friends who do this, (but tie-dye, really?)

So look at the commentary.

"In our quest for rare birds to add to our lists, are we pushing too hard?"  Compared to what? Some folks travel around the world in search of birds which is arguably more of a push.

"Is this what has become of our use of social media?" By far not its worst use; that’s the bizarre fascination with cat photos. It is however a method of communication which allows for rapid dissemination of information. Who among us would rather ~wait~?

"I am so regretful for the lengths that some of us have gone to capture the unusual bird in the unusual setting." One wonders about the feeling towards zoos...

"This practice just doesn't feel morally considerate of both the bird populations and the human code of conduct."  Chasing birds is a sin! Now that’s a new one. If anything, a greater desire to experience birds will translate into a greater desire for conservation. But see below, and lets just look at pictures...

"A single photo and observations of this fascinating find would have sufficed." For whom? Birding is about experiencing birds, its not looking at pictures. Did you see the game? Nah, I’ll just read about it tomorrow.

"I hope someone else is feeling this concern," 

Nope.