Our local Snowy Owl is of course generating lots of interest, and lots of
out-of-area visitors. It's great that so many of us have been able to see and
enjoy it!
There may have been some miscommunication and misunderstandings regarding
permissible viewing locations. Here's my understanding of what's OK, and
what's not:
Friedens Church Rd, Rt 257, just east of I-81 - the owl has frequented the
field south of McDonalds and also been reported perched on signs near
McDonald's and the 7-11. Viewing from any of the stores' parking lots is most
likely fine. (Especially if you stop in and support those businesses!)
North River Rd: This bounds the field south of the Friedens Church Rd viewing
spot. The owl has sometimes been in (distant) view from here, viewed from near
the sewer treatment plant at Mt. Crawford.
The road into the Walmart Distribution Center complex: AVOID! There is no
permitted parking here. Suggestions were posted re: viewing from this
location, but that this was NOT approved by Walmart for public access. The
road is State-maintained for the first .3 mile but that section is lined with
no-parking signs. Beyond that, it is private, and posted.
Thank you for treading respectfully, and best of luck to everyone seeking the
Owl!
Diane LepkowskiVice-president, Field Trips, Rockingham Bird Club
