Dave, et.al.:  This property is not open to the public!

I wish you had talked to me or researched this before you posted - I hope
no one will make a mistake that we (birders) will all regret before I can
get this posted.  This property is part of the "Patuxent River Park", owned
by MNCPPC, (not the state, which also owns the PRSP, managed by DNR).  It
is not open for a very good reason.  The entire area (site) is a sensitive
cultural resource with active archeological research being done.  At some
point in the future, the site may be open to the public, but it could also
be over-regulated with many rules (i.e., hours, limits of use, etc) if we
are not careful.  Although the park puts up with a small but unavoidable
amount of unauthorized use there (mostly from locals who live nearby and
are familiar with the site, its former owners, and where to avoid), it
would be VERY BAD to have uniformed or unauthorzed people simply start
showing up there to look for birds.

FIRST, you must have permission to enter there from the park.  You need to
get it from Mr. Greg Lewis, the PRP Park Manager, at 301-627-6997.

SECOND, if he gives you permission, DO NOT DRIVE OVER 10 mph on the lane -
I noticed some of the birders this weekend were driving WAY TOO FAST.  This
AGGRAVATES the resident there, whose family sold the property to the
public, and who still actively leases the property for their use
(agriculture).  This is one of this family's  biggest complaints - the
speed that people drive (and some of the worst offenders are a few of the
PRP employees that occasionally go there on business).  Also, do not drive
off the lane (into a field).  Please respect this if you get permission to
visit there.

THIRD, avoid parking where you mentioned in your email!!  Greg will
probably instruct you where to park, but it is best to use the parking area
up by the front of the manor house, and leave a message on your windshield
in case the police or someone else find your vehicle. Simply walk down to
the viewing area from there.

LAST, and not least, do not go wandering around unless you have been given
permission from Greg Lewis for the entire site - which I doubt he will do.
Stay away from the manor house (which is occupied) and all other structures
on site.  Most of them are actively being used, despite their appearance.

I am assigned this area for the breeding bird Atlas Project, and do not
want this privilege to be revoked!  Thank you for considering this lengthy
but necessary post.  Respectfully,

Jeff Shenot
Croom

=======================================================================
To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to 
with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey
=======================================================================