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Author: Vaughan, SueSchneider, DelannaFrench, AlanUrbielewicz, DonMagnan, Ralph

Thanks for Roger Eastman's essay, "Illegal Migration," in the December 2005 issue (p.32). So much of current bird journalism is written with a distant, impersonal, and scientific tone, unlike the works of many earlier authors. It made me smile to read of someone who appreciates the value of one and cared enough to take personal responsibility for "his" lucky vireo!

Shortly after reading Eldon Greij's article, "Mob Rule" (December 2005, p.54), I recalled a bird mobbing of a different kind. Last year during nesting season, a small covey of California Quail spotted a king snake moving up our hill. They formed a line and followed the snake until it took refuge beneath a rosemary bush. The last quail in line pecked the snake until it was sure that it was gone.

This year the quail used a different tactic. I was amazed at what I saw. Again, it was nesting season, and quail have no fear when it comes to protecting their eggs and chicks. This time the covey formed a complete circle around the snake. As the snake slithered through the grass, its surrounding circle followed until the snake disappeared under a cactus bush. All the quail appeared to be satisfied that the snake was gone, except for one persistent male that proceeded to peek around each side of the bush just to make sure. Those amazing birds. Can't wait for this year's breeding season!

I was very pleased to see "22 Binoculars You Can Afford" in the February 2006 issue (p.22). Binocular articles tend to concentrate on expensive models, which cost more than many people can or want to spend. Here was an article for people wanting a good glass for less money. I also thought Laura Erickson's article on shopping for binoculars was first rate.

I did feel that her piece on image-stabilization (IS) binoculars (p.31) was too dismissive. The larger models certainly suffer from the maladies of weight and bulk, but some smaller models are no bulkier than many of the binocular picks, and are lighter than some. She also disliked holding a button down to engage the IS feature, but I find it easily becomes part of holding them. It is a feature any birder should consider and try when shopping for a new binocular.

Just wanted to let you know that as a hunter and birdwatcher, I really appreciated Pete Dunne's "Recalibration" in the April 2006 issue (p.14). You have shown me that my growing fondness for your magazine is well founded, and that your belief in a true balance of the people who love and appreciate nature has a place in your pages.

I find it very difficult to understand why an article like "Recalibration" is presented in a magazine like Birder's World. What does sitting in a tree stand with a gun have to do with birding? How does having a shotgun give one "catalytic tools that afford humans supernatural intimacy?"

Dunne gives the impression that (to him) a gun is a "pacifier": Without this his birding world would not be complete. The most disturbing part is the ending with his pompous comments: "I'll take one question," and "Sorry, can't explain." With his listed credentials, I find it rather difficult to believe that he is genuine.

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By Sue Vaughan, Verona, Wisconsin; Delanna Schneider, Novato, California; Alan French, Scotia, New York; Don Urbielewicz, Corrales, New Mexico and Ralph Magnan, Dover, Delaware