Carl B. Haynie wrote:

"This land is not fenced or posted and we assumed it was 'OK' to walk out there..."

Hi folks,

Just a caution that it is *never* OK to walk out on people's private property without permission.
The laws of the States all differ; the western states tend to emphasize private rights over public
trespass. Whether or not there is a "No Trespassing" sign.

The main concern to us birders is that, by trespassing without permission, we are little different
in the property-owners' eyes than are the trespassing hunters, pscilocybin-gatherers, etc.
When a landowner sees us trespassing on their place, they have to take the time to go out and
ascertain that we're not going to rip off or vandalize tools and equipment, trample crops, scare
livestock, leave gates open or closed inappropriately, or whatever. They don't know us from
Adam, and for all they know, we could be armed and dangerous. Little wonder that farmers and
ranchers tend to be gruff and suspicious of strangers in general. Think of how you'd react if
some strangers decided to set up a picnic in (or just wander through...) your back yard.

A little time taken in advance to find out whose place the birds are on, introducing ourselves, and
obtaining permission to bird on their *private* property will go a LONG way toward making a
farmer more disposed to and receptive of our avocation, and - perhaps - the rest of us can see
that rare bird on 'Farmer Jones'' place.

Jon. (off my soapbox, now) Anderson
Olympia, Washington
festuca at olywa.net