During the first of my two failed attempts to see the Lapwing, the
property at the corner of Graceham Road and Rte 550 was being used as a
parking lot, and the hopeful viewers could either watch for the bird from
that point or else walk to a site fairly near the 'favored' field and wait
for the bird at that spot.  That corner farmstead is the best available
parking place near to the favored field.
	It was very nice of the farm owner to accommodate the parking at
that time.  Perhaps a way of getting the farmer to establish a longer term
parking arrangement would be for some MOS members to make up a sign to
designate Lapwing parking at that site, and add a reasonably secure
"Contribution Box" with a suggested contribution of $5 per car for those who
want to park at that site rather than take the chance on being ticketed for
the stopping that we have been clearly told to not do on Graceham Road.
Then, take sign and box to the farm owner (I understand it is the Turkey
Farm owner just up the road on Rte 550) and request his permission to put up
the sign and the contribution box.  
	With the farmer's approval, mount the sign and the box, and the
parking problem should be solved - thereby freeing the visiting birders to
enjoy the Lapwing both legally and safely.  If this gets done, be sure to
spread the word quickly and clearly via MDOsprey.

Les Roslund

Talbot County
Easton MD 21601


-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Janet Millenson
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2005 9:44 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Lapwing Parking


Kurt Schwarz wrote: "During the previous visit of the Lapwing, it was my
understanding that the land-owner of the barn on the corner was permitting
folks to park there."

You're referring to the property at the corner of Graceham and Rt. 550. The
owner's first name is Jan, but I didn't get his last name. If anyone knows
how to contact him, please let me know so MOS can officially thank him for
being so understanding and supportive!

Third time was the charm for me -- I finally got to see the lapwing at 5:30
p.m. today. Even in dim, cloudy light it was strikingly beautiful.

Janet Millenson
Potomac, MD (Montgomery County)

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"Look at the birds!" -- Pascal the parrot