OBOL "Birding, Biking vs. Hunter thread."

I hate to use this blog, for this purpose, but I adamantly refuse to use OBOL to discuss, or further the "Birding, Biking vs. Hunter thread."


I am opposed first to the way some land donations seem to be handled around Oregon.  It frys me to no end to go to a publicly owned area and find signs limiting access, excepting certain groups.  To allow hunting but no sightseeing, birding etc.. is frustrating to me (but I see birders at Fern Ridge ignore the signs anyway.  I haven't heard of anyone being fined yet).  But I know why it's done, to keep people from getting shot, and over-zealous animal rights wackos from confronting hunters and causing problems. Also, I believe part of the reason so many areas are now closed to access by all is that there is too much fighting, lawsuits and bickering back and forth between the various interested groups.

It bothers me when groups or individuals purchase properties (for example the 500 acre parcel of farm land on Diamond Hill rd.) reclaim it so that it is then animal habitat, then block ANY public access.  On this particular parcel on Diamond Hill road, the no trespassing notice signs even give the incorrect name and phone number to contact for information.  It took me hours to find out that was really a farmer in the area looking for a tax write off!  This happens to far too many pieces of land for me to accept. 

The state of Oregonis another problem.  ODOT, is the worst about it.  I travel the state in the course of my employment, and I see parcel after parcel with "Property of ODOT, No Trespassing" signs.  The property at the corner of Roosevelt and Danebo is a perfect example.  It teems with wildlife, yet is surrounded by no trespassing signs.  These types of parcels in particular, being off-limits REALLY pisses me off.  Being blocked from access to undeveloped PUBLIC property of this type should be against the law. 

In my humble opinion, the areas can all be shared if EVERYONE, respects the rights of everyone else.  Bicyclists can quit looking down their noses at drivers and acting like they are better, or have more rights to the areas.  Drivers need to be more considerate to the bicyclists and quit acting like they don't belong there.  And for God's sake watch out for them.  And all need to recognize that hunters have rights, put a fair amount of money into the coffers of the animals through the various hunting groups and from license and tag fees.  For the most part, bird hunters especially are very respectful, courteous and environmentally aware.  They are more often than not, professional people.  Doctors, lawyers teachers and quite a few law enforcement personnel are bird hunters.

With regard to where the legislature puts the money they have, some of that general fund money probably went to fund more wildlife officers.  More were added this year along with many new state police officers.  If the people we elect are not doing what we wish with our taxes and fees, then they can be voted out.  But that opens a very ugly conversation, because this is a liberal state and liberals keep voting in the same liberals over and over.  So if you don't like what they are doing, quit re-electing them or allowing them to be re-elected. 

Ankeny/Baskett Slough 01/02/10

We took our first trip of the year to Ankeny NWR today, and after driving to all the normal hotspots it was apparent that a trip to Baskett slough NWR was in the cards for us as well.  The fields at Ankeny had several large flocks of Cacklers and Duskys. At Eagle marsh we found numerous Mallards, sparse numbers of Pintails, and a couple of Ruddy ducks.  Oh yes, we can't forget Nutria plenty of Nutria.

We were a bit disappointed at Ankeny, but were pleasantly surprised by the large number of birds (and large number of birders as well) at Baskett Slough!

There were plenty of Canada Geese, but nowhere near as many as we saw at Ankeny, what we did see was a huge number of Northern Pintails.  500 would be a conservative guess, I would be willing to bet it was more like 750 or even more.  Everyone I talked to was astounded at the large number of Pintails. 

 

One small island was absolutely covered with them.

 We also saw Mallards and even a few Northern Shovelers, but by far the day was all about the Pintails.

(my personal favorite duck) 

Our excitement for the day came when while watching some Tundra Swans from the upper observation area.

 

An adult Bald Eagle that had been eating and preening previously, took off for a hunt. while I was watching with some other birders, the Baldy flew around assessing the hunting grounds and snatched up a male Pintail!  The Eagle took it to the same area where it had been earlier, and landed with it's prize.  What a sight to see.  Nature and the circle of life.  It never fails to awe me when I watch God's creatures, seeing them do what they do to survive, whether it's Hummingbird at the feeder or an Eagle capturing another animal to eat.  It reminds me of just what is important in life, and what  is not.  A wonderful lady watching the Eagle near me said "That made my entire day", I could not agree more.  I will sleep with a happy heart tonight.