Hi all,

I had seen these birds, only two, on Weds evening. I did not post it because I first wanted to check with the landowner about access. The reason for this is the upcoming, Saturday, opening of duck season. The owner said he did not want people walking around because he has duck hunters who pay to hunt in there and there will be a conflict. I contacted him again today and told him about Tom finding the birds and that I thought it would get posted on the internet. He immediately said the property is posted, and I said people have walked around here before and they may come in not knowing. He then asked if I would send out a message asking people to respect the private Property. I said I would if in fact it did get posted on the internet. I find myself in a uncomfortable position, one that I have helped to create, of not wanting to lose access to this area for myself and others. On my way out of the property I did see one, possibly two, of the birds in the Para Ponds where they were viewable from McManoman Rd. They were roosting with a group of dowitchers on a small point of land that juts out into the open water. This is found on the east end of the pond directly across froma large stand of bulrush. I would never guarantee they will be there this weekend. Para Pond is also hunted although in the corner away from the public road.

I just wanted to get a heads up out to you all.

Bob Flores
Othello, WA
rflores at cbnn.net