From Brett Fried as published on the Discord Ontario Bird Alert: Note that the bird has not been seen yet this morning. A Rare Opportunity: Viewing the Burrowing Owl in Wellington County **As many of you have already heard, a Burrowing Owl has been observed in Wellington County.** This bird, far from its typical range, has generated considerable interest across the province. Ontario Bird Alert (OBA) and other networks have acknowledged the sighting, and it has quickly become a focal point for our birding community. We want to speak candidly about this situation. **Yes, sharing this bird’s presence does go against standard OBA guidelines**, which generally advise against promoting locations of sensitive species to avoid potential disturbance. However, after careful reflection and consideration of the bird’s behaviour and location, we feel this is a rare case where an exception can be made thoughtfully and responsibly. **This Burrowing Owl is spending the majority of its time on a private, fenced property and can be reliably viewed from a public roadside without any need to trespass or encroach.** This offers a unique opportunity for people to see a truly special bird safely, ethically, and with minimal disturbance, provided we all conduct ourselves with the utmost care and responsibility. It’s vital to emphasize: ***neither the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) nor OBA are organizing or policing this sighting***. This is not an official **Ambassador Program** at this time. Instead, it is a moment for our community to come together, not only to appreciate this bird, but to model the respectful behaviour that ensures such sightings can remain accessible and sustainable. To that end, we ask everyone visiting the area to uphold the following community-driven guidelines: ***Viewing Guidelines – Please Read and Respect*** 1. **Do Not Enter Private Property** The owl is primarily on private, fenced land. There is no need to approach or attempt closer access. All observations should be made from the public roadside. Specific directions to be shared. 2. **Maintain a Safe and Respectful Distance** Use scopes or long lenses; do not attempt to flush the bird or “get the shot.” The owl’s welfare must always take precedence over photographs. 3. **Do Not Share Precise Locations Publicly outside this platform** While word has spread, please avoid posting GPS coordinates or specific road names on public forums. Share details privately and over discord. Encourage others to do the same, with a reminder of these guidelines. 4. **Park Legally and Safely** Do not block roads, driveways, or farm access. Be prepared to walk if roadside parking is limited. Specific instructions to be provided. 5. **Minimize Noise and Disruption** Avoid loud voices, movement, and absolutely no playback. We want to avoid drawing attention or causing undue stress to the bird or to local residents. 6. **Respect the Local Community** Be courteous to landowners and residents. We are guests in this area, and how we conduct ourselves will directly affect the reception of future sightings and our community at large. 7. **Self-Police, Gently and Constructively** If you see concerning behavior, speak up but do so kindly and without confrontation. We all share the same goal: to keep the bird safe and the experience positive. We know that situations like this are delicate. ***But with community care, clear communication, and shared respect, this can be a model for how rare birds can be enjoyed ethically and responsibly, even when they challenge established norms.*** Let this be a moment not only of awe, but of stewardship. Let's protect both the bird and the chance for others to experience it with integrity. Safe and respectful birding to all. Location: Please only access the area from the south along Guelph Rd. Accessing the area from the north may jeopardize and ruin the viewing opportunities for others. ***Please enter from the south as indicated and depart from the same direction.*** https://maps.app.goo.gl/qmnVnhQd5iAuCnEp6 **PARKING** on the east side of the Guelph Road **ONLY**. If parking on Guelph Road is taken up, under **NO CIRCUMSTANCE** should any park on **2 Line**, traffic moves very quickly there and it is unsafe to do so. Please park along the north side of **4 Line** instead. https://ebird.org/hotspot/L43175066 <@971728779493920808> has graciously created an eBird hotspot for this location. **PLEASE only use this spot for all BUOW checklists** ***Stewardship is key while this visitor is around. Let's protect both the bird and the chance for others to experience it with integrity.*** Jeff Skevington, he/him E-mail: jhskevington@gmail.com