say, a Carolina Wren's, is it ethical as a birder to go in and destroy the cowbird eggs, or should I just leave it alone?
If you see a Cowbird do its thing in another bird's nest...
Started by horseface, May 06 2012 12:01 PM
10 replies to this topic
#2
spyonabird
-
- New Members
-
- 743 posts
spyonabird
- LocationNorth Carolina
Posted 06 May 2012 - 12:09 PM
legally you have to leave it there. A Cowbird is a native species and protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty. I'm not sure if this law is also valid in Canada. As far as ethical, everyone has their own code of conduct. If you see a snake attacking a frog, do you save the frog or deprive the snake of dinner. What if it was a Hawk attacking a frog. Save the frog?
Denise
"There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud."
Carl Sandburg
"There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud."
Carl Sandburg
#3
horseface
-
- New Members
-
- 256 posts
Horseface
Posted 06 May 2012 - 12:14 PM
Yeah I know it's illegal. It's a question of ethics. I probably won't do anything but I hate cowbirds and the sparrows and starlings have been really bothersome lately. If it weren't for the crapload of sparrows and starlings already terrorizing everything in the area I wouldn't even consider it.
#4
EmilyRose
-
- New Members
-
- 278 posts
EmilyRose
- LocationAkron, OH
Posted 06 May 2012 - 02:45 PM
I agree with Spy. While I think obeying conservation law is an implicit tenet of birding ethics, I think canons 1 & 2 of the ABA Principles would support never interfering with a non-invasive's nest, even if it is engaging in brood parasitism.
Newest Lifers: Bobolink, Kirtland's Warbler, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Eastern Screech Owl, Ruff, Merlin
#5
NatureLady
-
- New Members
-
- 908 posts
NatureLady
- LocationSouth Dakota
Posted 06 May 2012 - 05:24 PM
Agree with Spy. I myself could never harm a innocent baby chick; even if it is an a wren nest or even a hummingbird nest. Its part of nature. Sometimes beautiful and other times not so much.
Life List~444
Latest Lifer~Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bobolink, Groove-billed Ani, Cerelean Warbler, Ovenbird, Veery, Northern Bobwhite, Golden-winged Warbler
2012 Big Year List~351
2013 Year List~ 299
BirdingBlog | www.facebook.com/naturalbeautybyedens
#6
horseface
-
- New Members
-
- 256 posts
Horseface
Posted 06 May 2012 - 09:32 PM
Yeah I thought this would be the replies but was just making sure. I should concentrate my efforts on wiping out all starlings and sparrows.
#7
birdbrain22
-
- New Members
-
- 5643 posts
Advanced Member
- LocationNJ Shore
Posted 06 May 2012 - 10:04 PM
Ethics wise, I would not do anything to the cowbird.
If I would have witnessed the below(follow the link), if possible I would have tried to do something. I mean it is a Phalarope. This took place at one of the great migrant traps in NJ (Garret Mountain).
http://birdingonthe....html#1336167123
If I would have witnessed the below(follow the link), if possible I would have tried to do something. I mean it is a Phalarope. This took place at one of the great migrant traps in NJ (Garret Mountain).
http://birdingonthe....html#1336167123
Life list: 355
Latest: Olive-sided Flycatcher(Finally), Mississippi Kite, Wilson's Plover, Lark Sparrow, Elegant Tern, Northern Lapwing
2013: 219
#8
meghann
-
- New Members
-
- 2573 posts
suprm2001
- LocationCSRA, Georgia
Posted 06 May 2012 - 11:25 PM
Man, I don't think I would have had the stomach to stand there and take pictures. I had a hard enough time photographing a dragonfly eating a butterfly.
-Army wife, homeschooling mom to 4, photographer, insomniac ninja
Life list: 140
Yard list (old house): 73
Yard list (new house): 46
So far this year: 126
#9
JimBob
-
- New Members
-
- 7074 posts
Little SuperBirder
- LocationSan Diego County
Posted 07 May 2012 - 02:53 AM
That's so sad!
ABA list: 295 Latest: Swamp Sparrow
2013: 220
Yard List: 85 Latest: Violet-green Swallow, Tricolored Blackbird
http://www.flickr.co...s/89595711@N08/
2013: 220
Yard List: 85 Latest: Violet-green Swallow, Tricolored Blackbird
http://www.flickr.co...s/89595711@N08/
#10
BarnSwallow
-
- New Members
-
- 4462 posts
Advanced Member
- LocationMonkton Maryland
Posted 07 May 2012 - 01:39 PM
That must be one scary-big bullfrog!!!
#11
JimBob
-
- New Members
-
- 7074 posts
Little SuperBirder
- LocationSan Diego County
Posted 07 May 2012 - 04:07 PM
That must be one scary-big bullfrog!!!
I've caught some HUGE bullfrogs before. One I caught was about 16" from nose to toe when legs were extended. They're really fun to catch!
ABA list: 295 Latest: Swamp Sparrow
2013: 220
Yard List: 85 Latest: Violet-green Swallow, Tricolored Blackbird
http://www.flickr.co...s/89595711@N08/
2013: 220
Yard List: 85 Latest: Violet-green Swallow, Tricolored Blackbird
http://www.flickr.co...s/89595711@N08/
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users
