Re: [cobirds] Burrowing Owls and security guards, Adams county

I just read the ABA has implemented 'sanctuary hot spots', where birders can bird freely without fear of intimidation, deportation, or ID questioning.  Below is a partial list of these hot spots..

Walden Ponds

Baseline Reservoir

Gregory Canyon

Valmont Reservoir

Greenlee Preserve

Glenn Walbek

Castle Rock, CO

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID

On Apr 1, 2017 12:50 PM, 'Norm Lewis' via Colorado Birds <cobirds@googlegroups.com> wrote:

I understand, and this why I encourage other birders not to let themselves be pushed around for no particular good reason. I make it a point never to pass a "private property" sign, to cross fences or enter anywhere that says "keep out". However, I find that more and more I am being harrassed for being in areas which appear have public access. "Golf Cart Boy" out at Latham once called the sheriff on me (he did it while I was standing there, so I know he actually did it; I overheard the conversation). I just stood there while he yelled at me that I was ignoring him, to which I replied, "Yep". He left, but I waited around for the authorities, who of course never appeared. They probably got a good laugh out of his report of a miscreant birder.

Anyway, if law enforcement gives me a valid reason way I should vacate an area, vacate I will. Yesterday's "officer" (who must have looking desperately for a reason to justify her existence) just sputtered about "DIA" and "private property" and really had no good reason why I should leave the area.

That's probably enough on this subject. Please obey all property signs and follow the ABA Code of Ethics. But I submit that there is no reason why birders should be bullied just because we have a reputation for being rather passive.  

Norm Lewis

Lakewood, CO

-----Original Message-----
From: Diana Beatty <otowi33.33@gmail.com>
Cc: Colorado Birds <cobirds@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sat, Apr 1, 2017 11:12 am
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Burrowing Owls and security guards, Adams county

That is funny, but as a Muslim birder this stuff is not much of a joke to me.  I am afraid to go on any birding expeditions out of the country right now, or to even try to get on a plane to go somewhere in this country.  I was harassed and followed by security once for birding at the Xeriscape Gardens in Colorado Springs - apparently because it is owned by the local utility company the fact that I had a scarf and binoculars made me a terrorist.  I just don't trust the 'authorities' are always going to do the right thing because of my appearance.  I have heard the same thing from several birders of color.  I encourage those of you who are less marginalized to keep standing up when people push you like that because you might be indirectly helping out someone who wouldn't be able to do so.

Diana Beatty

El Paso County

On Sat, Apr 1, 2017 at 10:13 AM, Ira Sanders <zroadrunner14@gmail.com> wrote:

April Fools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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