The swans and other waterfowl have returned to the fields and wetlands of
Washington. And so has the harrassment by a few people. If you are out
birding or doing other activities and you witness people walking into fields
to scare up the birds or other acts that are considered harrassment please
so the following:
Keep in mind that it is hunting season, but the reports I have were about
people who were not carrying guns and were wearing street type clothing.
Photographers and bird watchers-- please use care when out of your car to
avoid disturbing the flocks. Even if you are on the side of the road and
scare up the birds, this is to the detriment of the birds.

Get a picture of them if you have a camera. Take down the license plate
number of their car and a description of the people you saw and what they
did or are doing. And call the violation/poaching hotline at:
1-877-933-9847

Getting a record of this is important.

Last week I saw someone photographing and watching swans in the Skagit
Valley. They were near their van up to about 15 feet away. One person had
a big bunch of colorful balloons that they kept moving about several feet
above their head. I was not sure what they were trying to do, but it was
not an appropriate place for a party so I can only surmise they were hoping
it would have an effect on the swans. This time, the birds just kept
eating.

Martha Jordan
www.swansociety.org

"Perception is your sense of reality,
Perspective is your grip on reality."