Re: silly question
Paula M. Sullivan (paulas@erols.com)
Fri, 25 Sep 1998 20:30:10 -0500
Dona Patrick wrote:
>
> Ok. I have been meaning to ask this for some time now. Since I already
> stuck my toe in the pond, so to speak, and found the temperature fine, I
> will venture with what may seem trivial to many of you. Here goes---
>
> How does one get over the feeling of reverse paranoia when using binoculars
> in her backyard in the suburbs? I mean I feel funny running around my yard
> and neighborhood using my binoculars. I am worried the neighbors will think
> I am spying on them. (and I am not, HONEST) I have told every neighbor I
> have talked to for more than 10 minutes that I am a birder (and put it in
> the bi-yearly neighborhood directory). Do you think that is enough?
>
> Thanks for putting up with me.
I'm with you, Dona. My neighbors think I'm a bit bonkers anyway, but I,
like you have explained that if they see me with binoculars I'm looking
at birds. Not once have I thought there was anything more interesting in
their windows. It's true, you never know if they are planning to change
the covenants to ban neighbors with binos. Not to worry. BTW, did you
ever get over to DelRay to check out that chimney with the roosting
swifts and your other favorite places?
Paula Sullivan
Alexandria, VA
paulas@erols.com