Máistir Nádúraí: We Are Anonymous

4.01.2016

We Are Anonymous

Just who is the Anonymous eBirder of Dane County? Why does she/he want to eBird anonymously when nearly all birders feel perfectly safe and secure putting their name alongside their Wisconsin bird observations? Who or what is Anonymous hiding from?

I can't remember exactly when Anonymous started birding in southern Wisconsin, but I'm pretty sure I haven't seen him/her in the field ... yet. However, had I stayed with the Say's Phoebe a little longer on Tuesday, perhaps I would have gotten a glimpse of Anonymous. But this raises the question: would I have even known it was her/him? More chillingly ... perhaps she/he was already there, watching me watch the phoebe.

Otherwise there are too few clues to go on. Sometimes a checklist includes a comment or two, or perhaps a few documentation photos. Sadly, it's never quite enough to decipher the enigma that is Anonymous of Dane County.

We Are Anonymous.
We Are Legion.
We Do Not Forgive.
We Do Not Forget.
Expect Checklists.

Bio:

Mike McDowell has been documenting southern Wisconsin’s flora and fauna since 1987 and began leading field trips in 2002. While he is most prolific at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, his explorations extend to other natural gems like Pope Farm Conservancy, Spring Green Preserve, and the Baraboo Hills. His nature photography has graced numerous publications, including newspapers, magazines, a Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate, a Capital Brewery beer label, and even a National Geographic feature. Since 2005, Mike has been journaling his nature observations on his blog. He is the recipient of the 2012 Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or state to promote the field of ornithology. A skilled digiscoper, he was a multiple-time finalist in Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year photography contest. Mike’s interests span insect macro-photography—focusing on tiger beetles, treehoppers, and robber flies—fossil collecting, botany, natural history, amateur astronomy, and long-range rifle marksmanship. A former gigging musician, he has rekindled his passion for collecting Fender Stratocasters, with his prized possession being a 1957 Vintage Custom Shop 'Mary Kaye' White Blonde. After a career in IT, Mike has spent the past 24 years in the sport optics industry.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the author's employer, organization, committee, or any other group or individual with whom the author may be associated. Furthermore, any assumptions, conclusions, or inferences drawn from the content herein are the sole responsibility of the reader. The author disclaims any and all liability for misunderstandings, misinterpretations, hurt feelings, eye-rolling, second-hand embarrassment, or spontaneous combustion resulting from exposure to the contents of this blog. For the avoidance of doubt, this blog is written for entertainment, education, and/or catharsis and should not be mistaken for professional advice, legal counsel, or the inner workings of a well-adjusted mind.