Hello,
People who are birding up around Atkins Lake on the Waterville Plateau should know that a property owner is upset about much of the birding activity. Birders might want to avoid the area just now, or at least be very careful about what they photograph and look at with their binoculars and about blocking roads and driveways.

The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) received this report from a birder who interacted with the upset property owner. Some people have entered private property without permission, looked into the house with binoculars, and have been rude to local residents. While we do not believe a WOS member was involved, we recognize that a lot of people have been birding in the Okanogan this winter. We want birders to be mindful of this situation, and our greatest concern is that birders not cause or contribute to confrontations that could escalate to harsh words or worse.

On behalf of WOS, we would like to ask you to review the American Birding Association (ABA) ethical birding guidance: https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/

In addition, please be kind to the birds and respect other people. Consider the following:
• Do not enter private property without permission.
• Do not enter restricted or posted areas.
• SMILE at the locals. Wave. Be friendly.
• Share your knowledge.
• Be openly grateful to locals: patronize local businesses if possible and tell them you're a birder.
• Don't point your binoculars at people's houses without permission
• Speak up, if possible, when you see others behaving badly…..but be kind!

Thank you for your consideration….and happy birding.
Eric Dudley, President, and Jennifer Kauffman, Vice President, Washington Ornithological Society