This morning was spent on snowshoes in the woods. First, a local woodlot trail, followed by a loop at Bradbury Mountain State Park. Neither excursion was all that birdy (and no finches – as I had hoped for in the hemlock, spruce, and/or fir groves), but I was just happy to be out in snow deep enough for snowshoes! Still plenty of Golden-crowned Kinglets in the woods though. Good excercise, and it means I don't have to get on that blasted stationary bike this evening!

And don’t forget today through Monday is the Great Backyard Bird Count. Make sure you submit data for your feeders, and anywhere else you go birding during these four days!

Meanwhile, yesterday I mentioned some of the discussion that is occurring regarding the proposal to add Barrow’s Goldeneye to Maine’s list of Threatened and Endangered Species. Additional research, along with communication and discussion about the topic with a number of folks, has led me to refine my opinion further. In fact, my fear that no action at all will be taken has convinced me to be open-minded to a potential compromise.

For those of you interested in the issue, I’ll paste my recent comments that I sent to the legislature’s Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Committee regarding the proposed listings. I encourage you all to submit comments as well.

Dear Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:

I am happy to know that a review of Maine’s Endangered Species Act is before the Committee and that it is proposed to add 14 Species to the existing list of endangered or threatened species in the State of Maine. I commend the committee on their efforts to safeguard these species for future generations, and thank you for your efforts. I urge you to take action on all 14 species proposed, including the Barrow’s Goldeneye.

Recently I learned that the proposed listing of Barrow’s Goldeneye has been met with resistance from the waterfowl hunting community due to the potential to accidentally shoot one while hunting for the similar Common Goldeneye.

I do think this is a justifiable, albeit overstated, concern. For one thing, I do believe that in most situations the drakes - the target of many hunters - are often, in fact, identifiable at considerable distances. Secondly, and more importantly, the current structure of the hunting seasons in Maine for waterfowl – and goldeneye in particular – does on its own minimize (but by no means eliminates) the potential overlap between folks hunting for Common Goldeneye and the arrival of Barrow’s. However, since Barrow’s Goldeneye are indeed rare, and seem to meet the standard for state listing, this issue should not prevent the species from being included on the Threatened and Endangered Species Act. I don’t think the potential for accidental shooting should be used as an excuse to keep this species of the list.

While I am by no means opposed to waterfowl hunting, I do believe that it is responsible and prudent to close hunting seasons for rare species. Taking any species outside of an open season is illegal, and should be met with fines. However, I certainly welcome a compromise on the Barrow’s Goldeneye issue, such as closing specific locations of known concentrations to the hunting of all Goldeneye. I also believe that some very small, and very few, but crucial locations of known significance to concentrations of Barrow’s Goldeneye should be closed to all waterfowl hunting to minimize the chances of any Barrow’s being inadvertently shot. In exchange, I would accept a 1-bird per season bag limit on Barrow’s Goldeneye to allow for take outside of specific concentration areas, both intentional and non.

Most importantly, the listing of Barrow’s Goldeneye should allow for increased funding for enforcement of these restrictions and especially to foster more complete and more accurate data on this species. If, in the future, we learn that hunting is not a threat to Barrow’s Goldeneye populations in Maine, then the above suggestions, such as closed seasons, area closures, etc could be lifted.

However, until that time, inaction is unconscionable. Barrow’s Goldeneye does meet the standard for additional protection in the state of Maine, and granting an exception due to uncertainty and the potential for accidental shooting seems unwarranted and unjustified.

It is also worthwhile to mention that waterfowl hunters aren’t the only interest groups when it comes to decisions on protecting Maine wildlife. Barrow’s Goldeneye are also sought by the state’s growing population of birdwatchers. Although we do not have a dedicated tax (as do hunters and fisherman), our voice – as taxpayers and stakeholders – is no less important in this debate. Birders, from Maine and other states, seek Barrow’s Goldeneyes. The lower Harraseeket River, via Winslow Park in Freeport, for example, attracts numerous out-of-state visitors, and therefore their tourism dollars as well. I lead free birdwalks from my store in Yarmouth every Saturday, and we regularly visit this park. Dozens of birders from outside the immediate area and from outside the state have joined me. Last winter, a tour group from Delaware/Pennsylvania ventured to our area in pursuit of this species, with about a dozen birders spending money in our store and on lunch at a local eatery. The economic impact of birders should not be ignored here.

In closing, I urge you to take action on listing of all 14 proposed species, including Barrow’s Goldeneye. I also welcome innovative suggestions as to how to handle this species’ listing. Inaction is unwelcome and unjustifiable, however.

I thank you for your time and consideration,
Sincerely,

Derek J. Lovitch
Pownal, Maine
And
Wild Bird Center of Yarmouth
Yarmouth, Maine