News from the Olympia Redwing stakeout yesterday includes an account by three gentlemen of Canadian persuasion on being accosted by a small woman with a heavy "European" accent. The way they tell it, they had barely been there more than 5 minutes when the Redwing flew into a nearby holly. At almost the same moment this self-appointed "Redwing policeman" came up to them and began insisting in an overly aggressive manner that they needed to move. They were on a public sidewalk. The bird flew up to them. By their account, which seems perfectly credible, they were not behaving in any way that could be considered unethical or impolite.
Again, by their account, upon seeing the license plate on their car she began yelling about Canadians and insisting they go back where they came from. Which they more or less did. Rather than create a scene, they left after only the briefest of looks at the Redwing.
We have not heard from the other side on this issue, though the small woman with the accent is well known by many of us in the Pacific Northwest. She's a notorious "rarities groupie" and also well known for her fits of aberrant behavior.
Every hobby has its loons and eccentrics. Birding is no exception. If you've been around awhile, you've no doubt heard of individuals who "see too much", who seem to crave attention, believe they're being persecuted by the elists who question their sightings. Well this lady is one of them and everyone (including me) is just a little bit afraid of her.
Anyway, those going to see the Olympia Redwing please remember to stay behind the velvet rope and if you're from Canada, think about a rental car.
An account from the source and comments are available at the Vancouver Island Birders Listserve
Posted by mbalame at January 14, 2005 9:29 PM