There has been good advice re birding mud flats but safety concerns seem
have not been stressed.

I witnessed the retrieval of a stuck-in-the-mud photographer at Bowman
Basin a number of years back when entry was not controlled etc. The
individual had ventured too far out and when tide changed and water was
raising he found it impossible to move. Standing in one spot he had not
realized he was slowly sinking deeper into the mud. Initially he was an
object of bemusement than suddenly it was realized he needed help. To
retrieve him it was necessary to construct a corduroy road of driftwood to
reach him and several men to extract him from the mud losing footwear and
some camera gear in the process. There was no constructed pathway back to
the parking which must have been difficult walking for him.

This story only highlights the need for awareness when birding on mud flats.

Some suggestions re personal safety:
PLAN your trip and review plans with knowable birder
NEVER going birding alone on a mud flat, more than one
companion desirable
KNOW the tide schedule
KEEP oriented re return route
INFORM a third Party where you are going and time of return
CARRY a cell phone for emergencies -- use it to a place
check in/out call


For SAFE birding on mud flats Bill

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