On Wed, 28 Sep 1994, Anna Coles wrote:

> Hello, Mike and fellow Tweeters,
> I am replying to everyone because I'm not sure of my response. Yes, I
> know there are mountain quail in my vicinity in Kitsap County. A friend
> who lives within a couple miles probably also has them on his property.
> The problem is that most, if not all, that area *is* private property.
> I'm not sure how birders handle a situation where there is a good chance
> to see a certain bird but previous permission has not been obtained (you
> just found the area, for instance). How do you even find out who owns
> the property? The other problem with the dear little mountain quail is
> that they pop up according to their schedule, and I never know when we'll
> get to see them.

I have to frame this carefully, so I don't appear to be giving everyone a
blanket invitation to someone _else's_ house. Martin and Mary Briejer
have Mountain Quail on their property, as well as a wonderful host of
other local birds, and have been very hospitable to birders. They've made
their property into a nature preserve, have signs posted that welcome
birders, and even invite people to watch from inside a little bedroom
whose large window looks out on their yard. They're near Seabeck, and the
phone book lists them at 18401 Stavis Bay Rd. N.W., telephone 830-5080.
When I first inquired about visiting their place, Martin was very kind
about giving me directions, though I don't know how he'd react to a lot of
people calling. Anyway, I went there a couple of times, very early in the
morning, and finally was able to see the quail. The Briejers throw feed
out in the yard which attracts a zillion birds, and if you're patient
there's a good chance that the quail will eventually come in and put on a
great show. I took along some corn to throw out with the other feed, and
I suggest that visitors might also bring along a little more feed,
although the Briejers are quite generous with what they have on hand.

Let me suggest that someone who intends to visit might call them, get
directions, and ask whether they are willing to have the information put
out on Tweeters, knowing that it will attract a lot of visitors.

Burt Guttman guttmanb at elwha.evergreen.edu
The Evergreen State College Voice: 206-866-6000, x. 6755
Olympia, WA 98505 FAX: 206-866-6794