On Thu, 10 Oct 1996, Janet Hardin wrote:

> they respond, I suspect that brant feeding on or near shore in the spring
> would spook as well. Considering hunting season is upon us (and historic
> foraging areas available for brant are much reduced), I'd just like to urge
> a little caution while approaching these birds. Thanks ;)

I'll second that reminder for caution- one Christmas, I approached some
brant on a sand bar in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts; I was getting fairly
close when one was suddenly shot dead in front of me. There had been a
hunter on the same sand bar- hiding behind some eel grass, I think- who
never saw me, and I never noticed him. We were both too focused on the
birds. He was extremely frightened by this, and sorry to upset me
by shooting one of the subjects of my peaceful contemplation. We had this
strange scene wherein he offered his apologies while his dog was dancing
around my legs, flopping the bloody bird back and forth in its
jaws...

Anyway, I'd like to visit Nisqually again in the near future. I've
been there a number of times, but never during the hunting season.
What does that mean in practical terms? Should I just stay away, or would
it actually be OK to go hike the long loop there?


Doug Dorer