I always have wondered when the day will come when I am questioned by police as
a binocular/camera toting male. I am always very cautious about birding near
homes, schools etc and will generally avoid them. I always try to look like a
birder! This incident with the policeman does sound absurd though - show me in
the Queensland law code where a bird watcher has to identify him or herself on
the car!! I can see the bumper sticker now - CAUTION - BIRDWATCHER
ONBOARD! APPROACH WITH CARE! regards David Taylor
On 29/03/2010, at 1:04 PM, bob gosford wrote:
> I feel a theme coming on - Birding as a dangerous occupation"
>
> thoughts, experiences etc - if we get enough I'll do a blog post on it over
> at The Northern Myth: http://blogs.crikey.com.au/northern/
>
> On 29 March 2010 12:32, Stephen Ambrose <> wrote:
>
>> It's not just restricted to lone female birdwatchers. As an ecological
>> consultant, usually carrying binoculars, digital camera & notebook, and
>> wearing dark sunglasses, I'm often stopped and quizzed about what I'm doing
>> (sometimes by the police, often by other members of the public). The
>> frequency of these inquiries seems to have increased considerably since
>> 9/11
>> and the introduction of the "Be Alert But Not Alarmed" campaign.
>>
>> However, before you think it is a recent phenomenon, I remember when I was
>> a
>> student at uni (late 1970s/early '80s), a fellow zoology student arrived
>> back on campus after being physically attacked the night before. He had
>> been
>> out spotlighting for crickets and while crouched down among some bushes
>> with
>> his head torch on was whacked across the back with either a bar or plank of
>> wood (can't remember which one). Apparently, some farmer thought the guy
>> was
>> spying on the family farm from the roadside reserve. A case of "whack
>> first,
>> ask questions later"!
>>
>> Stephen Ambrose
>> Ambrose Ecological Services Pty Ltd
>> Ryde NSW
>>
>> ===============================
>> www.birding-aus.org
>> birding-aus.blogspot.com
>>
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>
>
>
> --
> Robert Gosford
> Crikey.com
> The Northern Myth blog
> http://blogs.crikey.com.au/northern/
> Alice Springs, NT
> Australia
> Ph: (+61) 0447024968
> ===============================
> www.birding-aus.org
> birding-aus.blogspot.com
>
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> send the message:
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David Taylor
Brisbane
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