On Mon, 19 Feb 1996, Maureen Ellis wrote:

> The annual Audubon Society Skagit birding-by-bus tour was held in
> early Feb, and we also experienced blatant hostility from local residents,
> especially in the Samish "island" region..............persistent honking
> of car horns/screeching tires/brakes, glaring looks and gestures........
> mostly from pickup truck types, but also from a few cars. We were careful
> about where/how the bus was parked, and we were mindful of not getting in the
> roadways or trespassing. Our trip leaders also pointed out local eateries
> and shops that are worth our conspicuous patronizing. A local B&B owner
> out jogging was extremely friendly to our group (about 25 of us) seeing
> us as potential customers.

Some of the most blazing ass-holes I have ever run into while birding
have been on the Samish and Skagit flats. Twice I have had a local fire a
shotgun to scare off what I was looking at. People curse at me, blow
their horns, yell, swerve their cars at me, scream, and so on. I always just
bite my tounge and wave back with a smile.

I have decided that if anyone ever shoots a shot gun in my presents agian,
or swerves that car to try and scare me, I will do everything in my
power to have that person arrested. It simply goes beyond acceptable
behavior that any adult human should exhibit. I don't mind being
disliked, but treats and intimidation are another story.

Just for the record, birders are not the only targets of local disfavor,
bikers also get the same treatment.

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Russell Rogers
4510 Glenn Way SW
Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 935-6280
rrogers at halcyon.com
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