Acorn Woodpecker - a plea!

[Deleted]

Hi, everyone.

It has been reported on bcvanbirds that some birders have been ignoring the signs and entering the hazelnut orchard in search of the woodpecker.

PLEASE don't trespass on the hazelnut orchard!! With patience, you will see the bird from the road.

A birder friend of mine has a possible contact with owners of the orchard, and we are thinking of approaching them with a request for birders to be allowed to walk along the gravel paths at the edges of the orchard.

If people with binoculars, scopes and cameras have been ignoring the signs and trespassing on the orchard, you can imagine how slim our chances of getting permission will be.

If permission is given, be assured we will notify everyone immediately.

Thanks!

Stan Olson
Abbotsford

[Chris]

Stan thanks for the info. It's definitely alarming that people would onto private property to see this bird. I know when I was there on Tuesday people were viewing it from the road. I guess the phrase a few bad apples ruins it for the rest of us could potentially apply here. One recommendation I have is that if people see individuals go onto to the property right away they should tell them to get off.

[trudi]

we were there this morning we were told by a person who we presume lives at the orchard as he drove into the premises, as long as we stayed on the driveway and did not go as far as the house or into the orchard itself we were fine to view from their driveway.
yes we did see the bird ...amazing !!...

[Gord]

Trudi glad you saw it! Thanks for the update.

Im disappointed, like Im sure many are also, to hear of this blatant trespass. It's a shame when simple enjoyment of birds goes sour. Trespass, risk to safety or anything similar is just not worth it!

It was very kind of the landowner to extend an invite to Trudi, but I might suggest that unless an individual receives a direct invitation in person, it should not be assumed that this means it is a free for all on the driveway now.

I preach to the choir, but let's ensure that bird enthusiasts keep a good reputation as decent folks.