Date: 3/19/25 7:04 pm From: Paul Roisen via groups.io <roisenp1950...> Subject: [NEBirds] communication systems
Ross, Tobin, Mike etc. Interesting discussion regarding some kind of additional birding communication system. I would like to offer my thoughts on throwing in another "communication system" into the NEBirds and the couple of others floating around.
*Personal Comments:* NEBirds really should be the "go to" communication system for members of the NOU. It is immediately news to all of the membership and is faster than posts even to eBrid (which is a big part of my focus personally) in the sense of when it is posted (which is often after completing a checklist--which may or may not be done at in a timely manner (for a rarity or a quick chase).
*Concerns:* Separate communications systems are not as widely followed or even be known to, or made available to so many of the NEBirders The groups often disappear if the owner/manager of the list loses interest or moves away. Additionally, they often get the reputation of being a kind of private/elitist group which puts people off a little, even though this was not the intention of the owner/manager or group.
*Tangentially:* Once a rarity is reported and people begin to chase or look for this "rarity" one way we can encourage and be helpful to all birders is for those of us who "chase" a bird of interest is to *REPORT BACK ASAP* as to whether you located or did NOT relocate the bird. This is not to say that the bird could still be there or not it just gives people better information as to whether they should make the chase or not: If you are *blessed to relocate the rarity*, Please REPORT IT, to NEBirds (groups.io) If you were *unable to relocate the rarity*, Please REPORT IT, *that as well* to NEBirds (group.io) ASAP as well. Personally, part of birding should be to make it fun and inclusive for all regardless of ability or knowledge.
As an aside, I was tempted to head down for the Common Crane (would have been a county bird) glad I did not chase as it stayed hidden somewhere!
God Bless you all and great birding to you all. *Paul O. Roisen* *Woodbury County, IA*
