[EBB Sightings] Mines Road, birding etiquette, etc.

I had a run-in with a member of this same household several years ago.  It 
was a woman who berated me, not a man, but the verbiage was similar, i.e., 
"How would you like it if. . ." etc.  I was annoyed because I was certainly 
NOT looking into anyone's windows and my son and I were birding along a 
public thoroughfare and causing no harm to anyone or anything, as far as I 
could tell.  However, since this unpleasant incident I have never again 
stopped at that particular spot, so I suppose the discourteous tactics used 
by this landowner proved effective.

Contrary to what Mr. Dunn writes, I see no way that the typical birder could 
possibly know a priori that this particular spot has been deemed off limits 
for birding, and I confess that a part of me resents the inference that 
anyone who has been accosted by these people has somehow been "rude" and 
therefore has deserved belligerent treatment.

Perhaps the residents who so object to birders should post a sign that warns 
people in advance to stay away?

I agree with Steve that the issue of birding etiquette is important and that 
birders should always be considerate of property owners when they (we) bird. 
There are, in fact, too many stories that reveal thoughtlessness on the part 
of birders.  But I just don't see any evidence that this Mines Road 
situation is one of them. Despite this, it's probably for the best at this 
point that birders simply not stop to bird at this particular location.

Doug Greenberg
Berkeley