A new arrangement with the Dock Master at the Cambridge Marina has been
worked out that will now allow birders to continue to use the full marina
when trying to find or view or photograph the Tufted Duck and/or the
Barrow's Goldeneye.
 
    As of 9:00 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, January 15th) there will be a
Clip-board Sign-in Sheet hanging near the Stainless Steel Panel Boxes that
you will see at the High Street entrance to the Cambridge Marina and Pier.  
 
    The sheet will hold space to record Name of Visitor -  space to mark
TIME-IN - and space to mark TIME-OUT.   Before proceeding onto the pier,
birders are to sign the sheet and mark down the time of entering the pier.
When they leave, they are to mark the space for time-out, thereby proving
that they have not fallen into the Choptank under conditions where no one
would be looking for them.  This record of IN-OUT times fulfills the need
for the city to be confident that the persons visiting the pier have
remained safe.
 
    The sign-in sign-out method for birders who want to use the Marina
walkways goes into effect immediately and is to continue for as long as the
special ducks are present.
 
    This agreement was reached via a telephone conversation between
Cambridge Dockmaster Scott Fitzhugh and Talbot Bird Club Representative Les
Roslund on January 14, 2009.  In the conversation it quickly became
perfectly clear that the City of Cambridge fully recognizes the special
nature of the presence of these two duck species, and definitely wants
birders throughout the region to come on down to Cambridge to see them.  So
- come on down and enjoy the birds.  Tufted Duck and Barrow's Goldeneye were
both seen there today.
 
Les Roslund
Talbot County Chapter
Maryland Ornithological Society
 
    
Easton MD 21601