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To: |
david taylor <> |
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Subject: |
can hardly believe it |
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From: |
brian fleming <> |
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Date: |
Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:51:11 +1100 |
In the UK during World War II, birdwatchers were often considered very
suspicious, particularly as the Norfolk coast was definitely a war zone.
Camouflaged clothes, binoculars, out at ungodly hours of the morning on
sea-walls and beaches!
My friend the late Ellen McCulloch told me that in her early
birdwatching days a neighbour viewed her with great suspicion as a
probable private detective (said neighbour was subsequently divorced.)
Seriously, if you need ID, what's wrong with putting a bird-club sticker
on the rear window? - though some say this means your car will be broken
into by thieves in hopes of scopes and cameras. Or you could carry a
membership card from BOCA - don't know if Birds Australia issues them,
but if not they should. My car stickers have led total strangers to
approach me with queries and information, very kindly.
Mike Tyler told a story about being caught frog-hunting in a suburban
garden by a suspicious house-holder and the police. He subsequently
carried a paper signed by a senior policeman saying, "This is Mike
Tyler, an expert on frogs. If he says he is frog-hunting on your
property, he is." (quoted from memory).
Anthea Fleming
david taylor wrote:
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
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