Feedback/criticism from observers 8/05

[froglegs]

Yesterday and today I met people while I was tagging who both asked me if I was getting any criticism/complaints about tagging. Once I thought a coincidence, twice I consider strange. I think their angle was that I was somehow hurting the butterflies, but both were nature lovers who had heard of Monarch Watch and tagging in general. I showed them how I did it, and explained that if we were damaging them, they wouldn't make it to Mexico. I wish I had a pamphlet to hand them about Monarch Watch, perhaps 2-3 could be included in each tagging kit to hand out to people along the way. Wondering what sort of reaction others have had?

[Keith Petrosky]

When I was tagging people looked at me like I was crazy. Although one old man said he likes butterflys.

[Pat]

hi Froglegs,
Just print out a couple of copies of the section on how to tag the monarchs from the website page at http://www.monarchwatch.com/tagmig/tag.htm ~ it clearly indicates (a) how to do it correctly and (b) how this technique is not harmful to the butterflies and more productive scientifically in terms of recovery potential. That, and the website address, should be more than sufficient for those who ask.

Only other thing I can think of that might have people curious is if you're tagging in a public park or other space - some municipalities require permits for that. You could call your local parks & rec offices to check that for your area.

[Teresa]

Thats a great idea Pat. I'm going to do just that