Allow me to share a bit of a different perspective on this issue.
Those of you who know me (or those who read email addresses) know my
vocation: I am an evangelical pastor (please do not translate that into
"raging fundamentalist", the stereotype doesn't fit well) & former
businessman. I came late to birding (mid-30's) and even later to
environmental/nature care contemplation (late 40's), so be aware that this
is all still "under development". I am currently teaching environmental
ethics & concerns as part of an overall course, while learning on the fly.
Personally I find a solid foundation for such discussions and action in the
Judaeo-Christian, biblical concept of stewardship. The concept includes
ruling/management and service/care - for those of you who are interested, I
can provide some references & sources. Unfortunately, the concept has also
taken serious hits through historical Western cultural abuses on one side
and significant treatises on the other (such as White's in 1967).
Enough background for the moment. Should we bait birds for photography (or
pish during certain seasons, or play tapes to attract rare species, or
harvest natural products when impact is inevitable, or a hundred other
significant issues) is impacted by our underlying beliefs, our knowledge and
experience, and by our motivations/desires. These are often in conflict
with each other. For me - and for many thoughtful Christians who have been
reexamining the issue for the last 20 years (see www.creationcare.org) - the
concept of stewardship, of managing/serving/caring - when combined with
knowledge & experience - while checking our motivations (eg, Sparky's
selfishness thoughts, well expressed) - helps me to make decisions in the
field.
Those decisions have not always been correct. Sometimes I have stepped over
a boundary I should not have, through selfishness or ignorance or peer
pressure. Forgiveness (on a variety of levels) and personal growth are
essential.
So, would I have baited the Northern Hawk Owl for photography purposes?
Probably not. As I internalize the event, I perceive that the possibilities
for personal hastiness, selfishness and ignorance - ignorance of the true
impact of my behavior on the bird (which I'd seen on Saturday as well) and
its kind - cause enough questions for me to hold off. However, I would also
be willing to listen to the North Dakota photographer's rationale (which we
haven't heard), to see if my understanding is incorrect.
My perspective, which is perhaps a bit different in our increasingly secular
culture. Much more could be said. Thanks for reading this far.
Excellent birding to all!
Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
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