We were there a week ago and only saw one mallard from the road so we didn't
walk the trail. It was the least number of birds we have seen just passing
by. Glad to here of your sightings and of the Green-tailed Towhee.

We have walked the perimeter many times and have not had a problem with
Boeing Security. There are no signs that state it is private property and/or
no trespassing, keep out which led us to believe Boeing did not own it. I
have never worked for Boeing but have worked on many of their sites as a
private contractor and know how well they identify what is theirs and what
it takes to gain access.

With that in mind, I checked King County property records to see who owns
that parcel. Boeing had owned it and the properties to the north and west.
These were sold to commercial interests and the main pond was deeded to the
city of Kent and is listed as a wetland. Boeing retained a maintenance
easement along the south and east sides of the pond. The small pond in the
SE corner that the trail passes still belongs to Boeing for their use as a
storm water retention pond. It is not fenced or posted but if you stay on
the trail, there should be no problem and you can still see and photograph
any thing in it.

There is a second area to the east of the pond past the barricaded road
along SE 199th PL that was dedicated as a wetland at the same time. We have
seen birds in it as well.

I called Kent today. After talking to two people in the parks department, I
was passed to a gentleman in hydraulics. He confirmed that the main pond was
in fact owned by Kent. It is a storm water ketch basin for all the new
buildings being built near there. Boeing has no legal right to tell you not
to be there. He also stated that the city of Kent tries to make ponds like
that, duel purpose and has no problem having people enjoy them.

When we walk the trail, we try not to aim scopes or take pictures of
anything on the Boeing property. I don't think it is illegal but it just
makes sense not to look for trouble.

If we are confronted, we will explain nicely that we are there to take
pictures of birds and that the pond is owned by the city of Kent, not
Boeing. It is not posted as private so we have every right to be there.



----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathy Andrich" <chukarbird at yahoo.com>
To: "tweet" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Sunday, October 01, 2006 2:13 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] Boeing Ponds 10-1-06


>
> Hi Tweeters,
>
> Some of our northern friends are back, at Boeing Ponds
> this afternoon:
>
> 25 Cackling Geese
> 18 Greater White-fronted Geese
> 1 Northern Shrike
>
> Also an Osprey circled the ponds for awhile then flew
> off.
>
> Location off of 212th in Kent Valley, go north at road
> by KOA campground. Ponds are at bend in the road. I
> was not bothered today but sometimes Boeing Security
> may approach you.
>
> Kathy
> Roosting in S King County
>
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>