For what it is worth, I called the Regional Park Service office last year to see if a permit was required for using a spotting scope at Hains Point.  After talking to several individuals, the answer was no unless you are taking commercial photographs.

Denise Ryan
Washington, DC

-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Warren Strobel
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2005 12:39 PM
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Hains Point, West Potomac Park


	Had 2 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS in the Washington Channel side of West
Potomac Park today (a new DC bird!), along with a Great Blue Heron standing
one-legged on the railings.
	Other sightings included numerous Lesser Scaup in both the channel and
Potomac, Mallard, Canada Goose and what I'm also certain was a Fish Crow. I
am still learning the difference between the two crows - if it has a
two-syllable call, must it be a Fish Crow?
	Thanks to all

	PS - In the continuing saga of tensions between birders and security folks,
I was questioned (although not rudely) by a uniformed Secret Service officer
in a motorcycle with side-car who seemed interested as to why I was walking
around Hains Point with a pair of binocs. (I did not have a scope).
	Sigh. Why don't they hassle people who sit on their couches, eat junk food
and watch TV all day?


 Warren and Lisa Strobel
 OR 
Cape St. Claire, MD

2005 Year List - 97
U.S. Life List - 257
World Life List - 353