Having
followed the discussions on MDOsprey as well as conferring with folks offline
and at our bird club meeting last night, we in Frederick would like to clarify some
misconceptions and offer some suggestions with respect to birding at Kershner's
Pond.  I will preface this by saying that there have been no complaints,
no observed bad behavior so far.   We
have been birding at Kershner's for many, many years without incident because
of the graciousness of Dr. Kershner and his family.  He has occasionally
come to our meetings and even made birdhouses for several years for us to sell.
 Myself and others have asked every time (which is many) we have run
into Dr. or Mrs. K if it is OK to park wherever we are parked at the time (most
times on the grass to avoid blocking the driveway; usually on the berm to the
left before you cross the dike).   They have always said that this is
fine with no reservation.  When it is raining or wet, we stay on the
driveway with an eye to the rearview mirror.  We do not venture past the dike
except to turn around, and I personally have never seen much reason to do so.
 While the Kershners are supportive, the neighbors may not be as gracious,
and we fear that complaints from them to Dr. Kershner could potentially shut
down access to this pond.  Of course, if you are invited by the homeowner to do
something different, that is another matter, but I would take this as a
one-time event, not blanket permission to wander around his property at will
and not information that should be posted on MDOsprey.   We
are perhaps hyper-sensitive about problems with overeager birders/photographers
because of the Snowy Owl and Harney Pond incidents.  We still are
experiencing repercussions because of these events.  In addition, we are
left with Kershner's and Lilypons as our main waterfowl spots in Frederick Co
and would hate to lose either one because someone did something rude or
thoughtless.   It is wonderful to have property owners who are
enthusiastic about our passion, so please, please, please respect their
property and their privacy.  

On
a final note, please remember that MDOsprey goes out to the world on the
 rare
bird alert compilations.  Be careful what you post about access to
homeowner's property.  While you may have permission, the homeowner 
might
not look kindly on being overrun by lots of folks tramping through the 
bushes.  Thanks for everyone's consideration in this matter.

Helen Horrocks
for the Frederick Bird Club


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