Henry Cook wrote:

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It is just a shame that some of the better sites in the county are off limits to lay people (and I include myself in that!).
Thanks. Henry.

-- Edited by Henry Cook at 19:54, 2008-04-10

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Henry, Its not just lay people they're off limit to, but to be honest its something I personally dont worry about in the slightest.

In my experience, if a really good bird turns up on a private site, many times the owners are only too willing to open it up to the public, or make some sort of arrangement to allow people to see the bird (the breeding plumage Red necked Grebe at Knowsley Safari park the other spring for example)Sometimes that doesnt happen for birds that (whilst not common) are not that rare or unusual. Sometimes it doesnt happen at all, but thats life. Best thing to do is go and find your own instead

CH

Whilst it is indeed a shame that some sites are off limits to county birders, are they or at least were they really all that off limits? Shell Nature Reserve was asking for new permit holders only last year (advertised on this website) and both Heaton Park and Audenshaw Reservoirs have been permit only for pretty much ever but those permits have always been available to those that applied, it's just that the reasonably sudden but very much needed rise and enthusiasm in county birding again has lead to their status being highlighted and access desired by many, whereas Health and Safety reasons at the sites restricts the distribution of these permits. You may well find it hard to believe but birders with access to these sites, well, Heaton Park Reservoir at least, find it very frustrating that birds seen there cannot be informed to the bird information services, including this forum, as it breaches permit guidelines and would lead to their withdrawal and the possible denial of access to the reservoir for all birders full stop!

If you really want a permit to the these sites then apply but ask yourself this, just how often are you likely to visit and could your permit be better used by someone else, but apply by all means and if you get one then use it to the max

As regards this thread though, 'a private site in Greater Manchester' was always going to stir something amongst county birders and I'd have to agree that something along the lines of ' a private site/private in north-west England' might have been better chosen but I've a pretty good idea where the site is (if it was infact in our county) and it's simply better forgotten about if I'm right

I totally agree Steve. While photographs can be eye catching and very aesthetically pleasing, I am more interested in the context of the photograph; where it was taken being the major factor, and so if the photo is a record shot of an interesting bird with an interesting story it is often just as interesting for me.
The fact that the photo was published on the national website of surfbirds doesn't necessarily mean she was trying to brag, as many of the people viewing it won't be motivated to try and see the bird, but it is bound to arouse local suspicions.
It is just a shame that some of the better sites in the county are off limits to lay people (and I include myself in that!).
Thanks. Henry.

-- Edited by Henry Cook at 19:54, 2008-04-10

What surprises me is that if you want to keep a place a private site, which is quite reasonable, then why allow photographers to publish photographs from there.
It is available to see around the world and very teasingly names the county. It's not surprising that people are going to speculate about where it was taken. Lots of birders follow county birding if not a list.
I know what a smew looks like and can find plenty of photos. Sue Tranters photos are fabulous and I've long admired them.
What's great to me about local photos is knowing where it was and who took it and the story. It's not really a lot to do with quality more about being pleased for whoever got it, good or bad and the banter that goes with it! I like being able to see a photo of the green wing teal at Wigan Flashes even though I twice failed miserably to see it!
So I'm O.K with private sites for whatever reasons and love great photos and photographic ability but please don't tease!
Maybe leave the county out of the photo at the time, and just let it go in the records.
Great bird for the site and great photo.
Steve

sorry steve, that wasnt a personal dig at you or anyone else, i was just trying to make sure the info wasnt made public and went to judith or ian first, sorry again if offended.

Apologies to Ian for posting this same question in sightings - feel free to delete the whole thread now you've closed it.

Brian,

Who do you think I am.....

I would have P.M. Ian and Judith anyway, to let them decide.
I am not about to blurt out the fact we have a stunner sat somewhere in the county.

Suggest you read Ian last reply and digest.....

I may not be a big birder, and apart from being on here, unknown to everyone, but I am not totally daft and take you last reply as a dig personally, as I offered to help by sending the photographer an email, although Judith has done the same and probably will get an answer before me.

So many thanks for your advice.

Steve
Age 36 not 2 ......

could i ask anyone who does find out the location of this bird not to post it on this page but to send a private e-mail to ian or judith for them to decide if the location can be made public or not.

Whilst I'm as intruiged as everyone by this thread I would ask that birders are careful of their posting with it's or similar posting's regard. There are only very few private sites in the county and the reason for them being private is for one reason or another relatively valid and whilst we might not like it, often necessary. If the site is indeed in the county and one of a private nature then it's location should not be divulged, obviously this undermines the whole point of it being private in the first place and I won't allow this forum to be a vehicle for that to happen. I would also ask users to be mindful of contacting county birders for information on alleged or reported county rarities, as unless you know the person well the best route is via the county or assistant county bird recorders.

I have her email so I will ask her. Though she lives in Leigh I know she goes all over the UK

See thread started by Rob,
can't be bothered putting same answer down...
Will advise asap, unless anyone really does know and wants, Man tournament points......

Steve

SUPPRESSION ! ?

photographed on the 27th feb so doubt it will still be around anyway

i wouldnt mind knowing myself, i havnt seen a drake smew in the county, if anyone knows were it is please pm me.

Just noticed a brill photo from Sue Tranter on surfbirds - http://www.surfbirds.com/cgi-bin/gallery/display.cgi?gallery=gallery12 Anyone know where this was? I'd love to catch up with a drake Smew especially in the county. Thanks. Henry.