Having just been at the Mason-Dixon farm yesterday, it is a shame that this site is going to disappear off of the birding radar since habitat of this type is in VERY short supply in this part of the world (Frederick County). We passed a worker plowing the field by the east pond and nothing was said and nothing from his reaction indicated that we weren't supposed to be there.

It would be nice to get the offender's side of the story to find out if there was a misunderstanding by one side or another. If everything that was reported was true, it would also be nice to know his identity so that birders that have enjoyed frequenting this location can send their thank you emails to the thoughless, selfish, rude, obnoxious, ignorant, pig-headed ass (did I leave anything out that wouldn't get me kicked off the list?) that has ruined access to another fine birding location and have given all birders a bad name to another location in Maryland. If the clod that was most responsible for this would like to step up and justify his actions, we'd love to hear it. What stings most is the close proximity to the Northern Lapwing location of the same county. People in this part of the state are going to soon start unloading buckshot at anyone walking around with a pair of binoculars around their neck. 

Let this be another reminder to everyone that we in the birding community are guests on all private property, no matter who has obtained or granted the permissions. As embassadors for the interests of birding wherever we go, we must remember that everything that we do reflects on all of the birding community as a whole. If you can't respect the property of others, and all others in general, find another hobby. Try coin or stamp collecting. At least with that you can be as self-centered as you want in the privacy of your own home without damaging the reputations of everyone else while continuing with your own selfish interests.

Edward Boyd
Westminster, MD

---- Gary Smyle <> wrote: 
> I saw Dick Waybright, the owner of Mason-Dixon Farm - BIRDERS  NO LONGER 
> WELCOMED: According to Dick - Last week  the Board of Mason-Dixon Farm, discussed 
> a complaint from one of Dick's sons - a  birder was on the dike road, blocking 
> access for him to turn on the irrigation  pumps, AND WAS RELUCTENT TO MOVE 
> CLAIMING BIRDING PRIVLEDGES! Additionally, a  group of people were at one of the 
> barns {birders?}, and were nearly hit by one  of his trucks - Insurance 
> implications! BIRDERS NOT  WELCOMED!  
> 
>  Gary
>