On Jan. 2 Harry Nehls posted a message about a Vermilion Fly-
catcher at Ridgefield NWR. I'm wondering if he or anyone else
knows about the closure situation at the refuge; I'm sure many
birders from outlying areas might be interested in visiting the
refuge soon and would certainly appreciate any info. I know that a
friend of mine visited Nisqually NWR to look for the Slaty-backed
Gull seen nearby recently and was told by someone at the refuge
that cars parked along the access road outside the locked gate were
being ticketed. If that's the situation at Ridgefield, assuming
the shutdown is still in effect this weekend I'd rather not make
the trip. If the refuge is officially closed but birders are not
being actively barred from entry it would be nice to know that
too.
Thanks in advance,
Jim Flynn