Why can't we just respect the owner's request to stay away? I understand
the disappointment in not seeing a rare bird, but life is full of
disappointments.
maryanne dolan
elkton, md
On Mon, Mar 25, 2013 at 11:39 AM, Steve Long <steve.long4...>wrote:
> **
> I don't think it would be a good idea for MOST birders to follow Jim's
> suggestion about offering help. Even if you have substantial experience as
> a farm hand or whatever, individual farmers have individual methods of
> doing their chores, which you will not know. The effort needed to
> supervise even a knowledgeable, but unfamiliar volunteer is usually just
> not worth the trouble. And, it might seem like an attempt to get onto the
> property to film or take samples to be used against the property owner
> later in court. So, I would suggest that most of us steer clear of this
> type of offer.
>
> Another point is that there is some advantage to being the first to call
> the police. It might not be an over-riding advantage if the police are
> very local and you are not. But, if a person approaches you with a gun
> while you are on public property, I would suggest that you first leave that
> area for your own safety, then use your cell phone to call the police and
> report it for the safety of everybody else. There is a tendency for
> landowners to lump various types of outsiders together and ASSUME that they
> talk among themselves. So, a landowner who is already somewhat "near the
> edge" may go "over the edge" with additional visits by different birders,
> even though the second, third or whatever number visitor may have no idea
> about the previous encounters. Brandishing a gun in Maryland is usually
> taken as quite a serious offense. Having the police talk to the landowner
> should have a restraining effect if it is not done while you are standing
> your ground and refusing to leave. At least getting the landowners bad
> behavior on the police blotter may help with future events if they escalate.
>
> Steve Long
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* James Speicher <jugornought...>
> *To:* Maryland Birding Birding <mdbirding...>
> *Sent:* Monday, March 25, 2013 10:06 AM
> *Subject:* Re: Fwd: [MDBirding] Re: Private property problems
>
> I'm not in agreement with Jason that it has been concluded that it is a
> fine idea to go to this location. Legally, certainly within the limits that
> might vary based on the view of local law enforcement concerning vehicles
> stopped along roadways/shoulders. However, i do have a suggestion for those
> who will go:
>
> If you are confronted by the angry/defensive property owner, you might
> ask him if there is anything you can do to help him out today. The first
> 1/2 dzn times he is asked, he might have the same reply "Get off my
> property, " but after that who knows, it may turn him around...
>
> Jim Speicher
>
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