Found a link at the Center for Biological Diversity Facebook page with a
link to an article about the mess at Malheur Headquarters. The text is
thin. The photo gallery is extensive and distressing.
http://koin.com/2016/03/23/first-look-how-the-occupiers-left-malheur-refuge/
I am glad to have sparked discussion about what my dad, an Illinios farm
boy back in the forties, called country friendly. The foundation of country
friendly is the biblical *do unto others as . . .* Therefore you help
people with flat tires etc. Dad also said not to offer such helpful people
money, that would be offensive. They also waved while driving and
considered it okay to walk or drive on unposted land-*always *leave a gate
as you found it, and *stay* out of the crops. If you approach a farm/ranch
house stay in the drive way or your car until the residents show
themselves, if they don't, it is not polite to go up on the porch and
knock. Don't know how much of that apples in the Harney Basin in the modern
day and age.
I resolve to give friendly nods or waves when I am stopped beside the road
birding and a vehicle goes by. I have also had good results with a
suggestion from Trent Bray. When approached by a land owner, smile and tell
them you are enjoying *their* birds and be specific about which birds. I
also try not to put optics on farm yards.
*Happy birding*
*Clay*
*There's more Birders than Golfers*
