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Friendly advice



To those of you who may be birding on the Outer Banks in the near future,
please be advised:

That law enforcement of trespass beyond clearly marked signs is being more
vigorously enforced.  One place where birders have been going off approved
location are the roads on either the north or south side of South Pond.
These roads both have chains across them and signs telling you not to
proceed further.  Although South Pond of late has provided a bonanza of
migrating shore birds including some uncommon species, contain your
enthusiasm and stay on the highway side of the gates.

The following reasons for trespassing are NOT acceptable and all will
result in a rather expensive fine:

1. Not thinking that the signs are for you
2. That you have been going beyond the chains for years (an admisison of
prior guilt)
3. That you have been birding the Outer Banks for __ years (fill in the blank)
4. That you were only taking pictures.
5. That you are well known to USFWS personnel

During Wings Over Waters and other special times (like the recent CBC field
trips earlier this year) special permission is gained to allow you on these
roads in the company of leaders and USFWS representatives.  Please do not
misinterpret these one time permits to last all year.  If you believe you
have a good, special reason for wanting to go in further it would be best
to request permission first and if given, a representative will be obtained
to go with you to keep you out of trouble with the gendarmes.

I have no interest for or against this law enforcement and I only offer
this advice so you don't let your admirable enthusiasm exceed your discretion.

Bob Burrell
Kill Devil Hills NC
rburrell@coastalnet.com