Maryland Birders:

If mention of a rare bird has not been made on MDOsprey and directions have
not been posted, there usually is a reason. Do not take
it upon yourself to post. This is quite a different situation than the
White-
winged Crossbills in a public park.  In this case,
there was a concern about dozens of birders appearing behind a building in a

private business park. The man who found the sparrow
was quite unaware of the number of people this bird might attract.

A communication I received today includes the following information which
suggests staying on public property, at least until it can
be determined whether birders can continue to access the back of the
building.

"I'll check with COPT, the building management company, to see if they have
any particular concerns about birdwatchers. I threw some
millet back in the woods by the Columbia Association pathway, since that
would
be a better place for birders if it starts going
there. If anybody wants to give that a try, then from Gateway Drive, take
Alexander Bell and stop where the main road ends, before
the divided driveway goes back to the office buildings. On the left side of
the road, follow the paved pathway as it leaves the road
and curves back by the fence and ends at some picnic tables. Stand on the
very
end of the pavement, and look to the left of the
paved path. I threw the millet there on the dirt path."

Anyone who is a member of the Howard County Bird Club may request being
added
to the Rare Bird Alert. There are no special rules
except that birders are expected to exhibit the same courteous and sensitive

behavior they would abide by wherever they bird.

Jo Solem
Laurel, MD 20723