Correct. Proof is required even if not always asked for during a level one security alert status. And listen to 980 am or 1130 am for info on border waits, esp. during rush hour. Southbound during the week isn't too bad roughly mid-morning to late afternoon, but Sundays are always bad southbound at the Peace Arch, usually a little better but not much at the Pacific Highway ("Truck") crossing. US Customs still hasn't opened up more than two or three lanes even with all the new guards as the various border agencies continue to compete with one another, and with no one apparently in charge back east it may be a while before they get it together to do the job right. The current delays have little to do with security, more with indecision and turf wars. Be prepared for a two-hour wait on the weekend.

As an alternative, cross at Huntington, north of Lynden on the Guide Meridian, and work your way back west to the freeway. Reasonably good birding all the way along.

At 08:54 AM 12/6/01 -0800, you wrote:
>Tweeters,
>
>If you are crossing the border into Canada (or re-entering the U.S.),
>proof of identity is required. If you have a passport or visa, that's
>the best; if not, at least a birth certificate is needed. A driver's
>licence is NOT considered adequate proof of I.D., because they are too
>easily forged, and you could be turned back. This is what I've been
>told by both Canadian and U.S. customs officials. (Requirements are
>pretty much the same now for entering either Canada or the U.S.)
>
>Also, be prepared for much longer waits than previously (up to 2 hours
>is not uncommon). Almost every vehicle is inspected at the border,
>rather than just a sampling of vehicles as previously.
>
>Wayne C. Weber
>Kamloops and Delta, BC
>contopus at shaw.ca
>
>
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Sherry Hagen <littlebirder at yahoo.com>
>To: tweeters message <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
>Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2001 9:40 PM
>Subject: Crossing the BC border question
>
>
>> I was wondering if anyone up north could tell us what identification
>papers
>> we need to cross the border into BC. We were thinking about coming
>up this
>> weekend hoping the Ivory Gull would still be there but wondered if
>we need a
>> passport or if a driver's license is good enough. Use to be they
>just asked
>> you but with the highened security it seems I heard you need more
>proof.
>>
>> Sherry Hagen
>> littlebirder at yahoo.com
>>

Jack Kintner <kintner at nas.com> Blaine, WA