"We make our own beds and we have to sleep in them" Fortunately, I haven't had anyone ram my vehicle or try to "punch" me........
As both Birder and Photographer, I have had my dealings with irate folks out there but not so much on or near private property. Simply because I do make the effort to gain permission from the farmer or landowner before infringing on their privacy by scoping or photographing subjects within the confines of their lands. I am cordial and always use a smile to gain permission and 99% of the time it is granted; especially here in Pennsylvania and north-central Maryland. I will even offer pictures if they like!
What Sean said about the "environmentalists" causing all kinds of problems on other farms and for fear of a law suit from the EPA or MDE holds a lot of truth, however working in the AG industry during my retirement and know many farmers, some birders can be very rude and intrusive at times and normally run in groups instead of an individual basis and can swarm an area to add a subject to their "list" for the year or lifetime.
I remember a few years back when a good friend had a flurry of short-eared owls on her property up in the Freedom Township Grasslands near Gettysburg Pennsylvania. The word got out and for over a few weeks she had both birders and photographers trespassing on her property in hordes. She even had a group of five birders jump the fence into her horse pasture with the horses present to get a better look at the owls perched on a woodpile. She literally ran them off the property and not one offered an excuse, I'm sorry or nothing. Just a nasal sneer and a quick retreat!
She also has numerous feeders on her property near the house which attract as many birders as birds. She mentioned to me not long back that it would be really nice if the numerous folks that stop or pull into her drive to watch the feeders would just smile or wave at her once in a while as she sits on her porch!
Delaware is a whole other animal! As a photographer I have had no issues but as a birder I have but only once down in the Great Cypress Swamp. I think it may be because farmers and hunters associate birders with the PETA crowd.
Dorchester County and Kraft Neck road have been very kind to me. I made an effort to learn, meet and be-friend the owners of the hunting club properties down there and have invitation to be there without them having a fear of whose watching
Why is it so difficult for folks to be a little cordial on both sides? Perhaps its my Texas draw, southern roots and what my folks taught me growing up!
Like Harry says, "Be Careful Out There" but at the same time make an effort to be cordial and hospitable and most importantly "ask permission" even on a roadside along private property. It may be a public road with a parking easement, but the minute you point a scope or camera lens or peer through binocs their way, they feel like you are invading their space. Wouldn't you?
Jim
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