Feedback

[longislandhunter]

I realize it's only been a couple of days since I "sticky'd" the Bird Identification link  in the Gate, and I realize it's to early to fully evaluate the links value, but I was just looking for some preliminary feedback.  

Has anyone been using the resource and has it assisted you in identifying birds who's species you were in doubt of?

Do you think it's worth leaving up?  Or do you feel it's unnecessary?

As I said in the original post,,,, the reason I sticky'd it was  the hope that it would prove to be a valuable resource in helping us properly identify the species of a bird before we pull the trigger. Unless you're an ornithologist it can be difficult at times to distinguish between closely related species,,, and as responsible airgunners and hunters the last thing we want to do is to accidentally wind up shooting a bird that we incorrectly believed to be a legally legitimate "pest".  The fact that many of us post pictures of our kills makes proper identification even that much more important.  The internet is a wonderful thing, but you never know who's looking at our posts and pictures.  

Anyway, I am just looking for feedback on the link.  Thanks and good shooting.  

Jeff

[Big_Bill]

Hay Jeff,

I think it's a great idea, I haven't used it yet, but I haven't had a reason. You can bet that the next strange bird I see, I'll be here to see if I can identify it.

I have 5 or 6 good books on birds, but never seem to be able to find them when I need them.

Yes, I really like idea, an identification tool I can find !

P.S. I just visited the 50 state game and fish agencies, I didn't know that New Jersey even had a game management web sight, New Jersey ? Who would have thunk it !

Thanks,

[Silo]

I think it's a great idea and valuable resource, it should stay. Like Bill, I have not used it yet but rest assured that the next
strange bird I see, I'll on here looking for that link.
Roald.

[shadow]

Jeff, I would leave it up and I think that it's a great idea. We as hunter's should know what were shooting at. I'd hate to hear about a fellow member getting in trouble because they were not aware of a protected bird. Great addition to the Hunting Gate. Ed

[nyairman]

I agree with the other guys Jeff. I think you should leave the link up. It is a good resource for people who may need it. I have been a "birder" since I was 9 years old and it is rare for me to grab a book or visit a website to identify a bird. Not to brag about it, but I can usually identify any bird in my area from it's silhouette and or song, even at long ranges. On the rare occasion I do see a bird I can't identify, I would definatley use the link you posted. BTW, this is my favorite time of year for identifying birds as all the migrating birds are working their way back up here. Warbler's are the most challenging because they are small, mostly shy, and many different types. Good birding to all !!!

[JMG]

Jeff I did use the linksand learned quite a bit. I kind of feel guilty now plinking at living things that I was ignorant of what it actually was. So my opinion is leave it there and hopefully other people like myself will learn a few things and gain some respect for the wildlife we may be hurting.

John

[longislandhunter]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I appreciate it very much.  I'm glad to hear that so far everyone feels it's a useful resource. I'll leave it where it is.  Thanks again.  

Jeff

Hey Jeff,

Please leave it up!  I've already used it.  I'm having problems with crows, really big ones, but wasn't sure if they were ravens or not.  Ravens are protected nationally, but crows are not.  I used the link and sub-links to find out that what I have out here are American Crows.  Nasty, depredating, and a huge nuisance.  Now all I have to do is outsmart the buggers, which is harder than you think.  They always know when I'm out, with or without gun, and do these fly-by's before coming in.  I'm thinking I'm going to have to find a way to camo myself to look like my deck ;)

Cheers,
-Doug

[Gene_SC]

Jeff, I think you should leave that stickied up there for the duration of the Hunting Gates existance.. Those are some fine links that all of us novice hunters should look at and understand what is open to kill and whats not..

I must add this Jeff, It goes without saying that you have gone above and beyond your position as moderator and Bob and I surely appreciate your giving and sharing with the GTA..

I am also going to include those links that you and Sam have found, in the discription area of the Hunting Gate.. along with a warning to all of us who are not sure of what we are shooting..

Thanks again

Gene

[daved]

I am really impressed (and a little releived!) at the way you all responded to my initial post on this subject.  This is what responsible gun ownership is all about, and I don't care if you're talking about a Daisy Red Ryder or a Barrett Light .50.  My hat's off to all of you, and Jeff, great job!

Dave

Hey Nyairman

The birds are coming threw South Texas now. Should hit your place in full force in the next week or so.

I, my self started birding as a kid some 40 years ago. I still enjoy the birds but I don't do much "birding" now. Keep studying on how to ID those warbler (and those sparrows) and it will come around. After that, lets move on to “peeps” LOL!!!

Going by your handle,  Are you ex-navy? 1974 to 1978 here.

Glenn

[nyairman]

Hey Glenn, no service time for me. Though it is something I really wish I did. Was too busy chasing girls and playing in rock n roll bands back then. Yes, I will keep an eye out for them Warblers. Will I am on the subject I would like to take this opportunity to Thank You Glenn, and every other person who has ever served in our armed forces. You are all the reason we are free today and able to shoot our beloved air-guns.

Thank You all, and God Bless

Greg