The irresponsible behaviour of a visiting Dutch birder has seriously compromised efforts to protect a valuable wetland and waterbird habitat on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. An impressive list of species that are rare in south-east Queensland for the Yandina Creek Wetlands includes Eastern Grass Owl, Red-backed Buttonquail, Large-tailed Nightjar, Australian Spotted Crake, Australian Painted Snipe, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Lewin’s Rail, King Quail, Black-necked Stork, Australian Little Bittern and Black-tailed Native-hen. The extent and richness of the wetlands was unknown until recently, when I stumbled upon a large area of marshland while surveying the boundaries of two sugar cane farms that I have permission to bird on. I submitted an application to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council for the acquisition of three properties covering 200 hectares under its land conservation program. Various birding and environmental organisations supported the application and efforts were underway the identify the owners of the properties to seek their permission for a comprehensive survey of the area by a team of experts. I published some of the interesting bird records to draw attention to the site, and several people contacted me to seek information about visiting. I explained why there was no public access at this time. This information was conveyed in no uncertain terms by me and other locals to a visiting Dutch birder, Pieter De Groot Boesma. However, Pieter decided to ignore that advice and enter the properties without permission. He was found by the owners and when questioned, he told them the site was being used for birding tours. This information was false but the owners, upset that people were trespassing and apparently using their land for commercial purposes without permission, have placed a ban on any birders entering the properties. Worse, the owners have refused permission for a team of experts to survey the area, and have indicated they are not interested in negotiating a sale to the council. Those interested in protecting the area were deprived of the opportunity of first contact to establish a good relationship with the property owners. Pieter has enjoyed the hospitality of several Australian birders through birding-pal. It is disappointing that he repays that kindness with behaviour of this kind. I notice today that Pieter posted photographs of mine from Saturday’s Sunshine Coast pelagic on social media without acknowledgement, so the lad has form if nothing else. Greg Roberts
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6 responses to “Dutch Birder Throws Spanner in Conservation Campaign Works”
I always feel a little uneasy hearing only one side of a story – particularly if the story then engenders highly critical comments such as we are seeing in this thread. I wonder if there might be a way of inviting Pieter to respond and provide his side of the story (if indeed there is another side) before we embark on any more public character assassination. Does anyone know how he might be contacted? It’s quite possible that the full story is as Greg has presented it – but there is always the possibility of another perspective. It would be good to hear that perspective, if it exists, before drawing final conclusions (and committing to potentially libellous statements). Regards. Richard —–Original Message—– Dave Torr Sent: Monday, 8 December 2014 8:02 PM Cc: birding-aus Campaign Works It is indeed unfortunate Greg but hardly unique. When we had a Little Curlew locally (Werribee) some years ago I know quite a few birders were seen trespassing on the farm to see the bird – mostly Aussies. On a number of occasions I have seen birders – again I suspect Aussies – behaving badly at the local treatment plant. Some people believe they have the right to do what they like to see rare bird and not worry about the long term results. So yes – boycott this guy if he asks for help, but don’t blame the Dutch! On 8 Dec 2014 17:33, “Greg Roberts” <ninderry@westnet.com.au> ninderry@westnet.com.au> wrote:
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It is indeed unfortunate Greg but hardly unique. When we had a Little Curlew locally (Werribee) some years ago I know quite a few birders were seen trespassing on the farm to see the bird – mostly Aussies. On a number of occasions I have seen birders – again I suspect Aussies – behaving badly at the local treatment plant. Some people believe they have the right to do what they like to see rare bird and not worry about the long term results. So yes – boycott this guy if he asks for help, but don’t blame the Dutch! On 8 Dec 2014 17:33, “Greg Roberts” <ninderry@westnet.com.au> wrote:
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This is for sure not the case in Netherlands. If you want to visit private land you go and talk to the owner. Areas that are for public use are always indicated as such. Plus when you are asked what you are doing on the land it is never appropriate to lie. He could have just apologized and indicate he was not aware that the land was off-limits. On Mon, Dec 8, 2014 at 9:16 AM, calyptorhynchus . <calyptorhynchus@gmail.com
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You may have explained it to him, but he obviously didn’t understand. In many European countries there is public access to all farm land, but this may have been the cause of the misunderstanding. John Leonard On 8 December 2014 at 17:32, Greg Roberts <ninderry@westnet.com.au> wrote: — John Leonard Canberra Australia http://www.jleonard.net I want to be with the 9,999 other things.
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Oh,and it would be a good idea to post your message on the various Facebook birding pages, so other birders will get an idea of his character. CC
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Well, it is not his country and probably does not plan to come back, so why should he care. Pity the property owners did not call the police and have him done for trespass. Carl Clifford
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