-------------- Forwarded Message: -------------- 
From: "Joe Alexander" <> 
To: <> 
Subject: Please pass this on to MDOsprey 
Date: Sat, 5 Mar 2005 03:02:36 +0000 


Norm - I've been NOMAIL for too long I guess. I've been unsubscribed. I just 
re-subscribed, but I wanted to post this message I saw on the PA bird list. 
It pertains to the lapwing in N. Frederick Co. I did see the bird on 14-Feb, 
but on a return trip I also saw the sheriff. At that time he told us we 
would not be permitted to park along the road and set up scopes in the road 
right of way. This problem has not gone away, from the sound of this 
message. Oddly, there were two or three posts today on MDOsprey since the 
bird has reappeared, and no mention of the sheriff. I am curious if anyone 
on the list can shed some light on this. Thanks. 

Joe Alexander 
Middletown, MD 

From PA Bird List: 

Subject: Northern Lapwing and Sheriffs Dept 
From: William C Miller 
Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2005 19:45:15 -0500 
The northern Lapwing was still being seen at 5:45 p.m. at Graceham Rd. 
, at which time the local Sheriff's Deputy had shown up. 

Cars were lined up on the one side of the road with birders and scopes 
on the road in front of them. At the time there were about eight cars 
and ten birders watching the bird. 

The deputy asked us to move on at this time. I spent a few minutes 
talking to him about what was going on and if some type of 
accommodation could be made. While, polite he made it quite clear that 
several of the locals are complaining about the congestion this bird is 
causing, the fact that we are using binoculars, ect. in the pursuit of 
the bird and the stopping/ standing on the county road is against the 
law. There will be no accommodation made with the Sheriff's Dept. 

He made it quite clear that, he was going to call in the County Traffic 
Control officer and that they would start ticketing these violations. 
My recommendation is not to stop or stand on the county road. There is 
no shoulder to pull over in this area. Do not trespass. Do not set up 
scopes, ect on the road or the road right-of-way. Remember, that the 
little bit of soft shoulder that does exist is still road-right-away. 
No one has permission to do this. If you see others doing this; do not 
assume that they have permission. You will be cited. 

I realize this pretty much eliminates our ability to see the bird. The 
only way that will meet this criteria is to find a legitimate parking 
spot, walk in, and ask for permission to set up on private property. 
If someone does ask permission, ask for a general permission that can 
be posted on the net, so that we do not wear out our welcome by 
continually pulling into the driveway or knocking on the door. 

I would like to point out, that many of the locals are interested and 
appreciative of the behavior and interest shown by the birders. Many 
have stopped and asked about it. However, I can see how the disruption 
is a problem for the locals. 

Lets not make the situation worse by ignoring what is known to be a 
problem. Please, pass this message on to others. 

Bill Miller 
East Berlin, Adams County 
wmcmiller AT adelphia.net