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East Hartford Orange-crowned spot - sensitive location (please read)

JM
Jamie Meyers
Thu, Jan 26, 2023 3:38 PM

Folks, please be aware of the fact that this location is sensitive and
birders should be on their level best behavior when visiting.  This spot
has historically been checked very sparingly by birders and generally only
during the Hartford Audubon Big January or the Christmas Count.  It has
never been visited by as many people as are coming in now.  At the time
the Orange-crowned was found, management there decided it was a closed spot
and birders were not going to be permitted to enter.  In the past few days
that dictate has been relaxed, but when I was there on Tuesday the
gentleman who is controlling access told me that management is still not
delighted to be allowing non-staff in.  The guy asked me specifically to
keep it low key, which is not currently the case since it's all over
various birding channels.

At this point they are requiring birders to stay inside their cars and wait
for the warbler to come into the row of hedges that it likes, which it does
with good regularity.  However, too much pressure on this location,
especially if people disregard the rules as set forth, will likely mean
that they will shut it down.  It wouldn't be the first time something like
this has happened.  It's not ideal but it is private property and they have
done us a favor by letting us in up to this point.

Far from me to tell people not to go for this bird, especially if it's a
lifer or state bird.  However, I'd strongly suggest carpooling to this
location or going down to Norwalk for one of the several not difficult to
find Orange-crowns that are down there as an alternative.

Jamie Meyers
Canton, CT

Folks, please be aware of the fact that this location is sensitive and birders should be on their level best behavior when visiting. This spot has historically been checked very sparingly by birders and generally only during the Hartford Audubon Big January or the Christmas Count. It has *never* been visited by as many people as are coming in now. At the time the Orange-crowned was found, management there decided it was a closed spot and birders were not going to be permitted to enter. In the past few days that dictate has been relaxed, but when I was there on Tuesday the gentleman who is controlling access told me that management is still not delighted to be allowing non-staff in. The guy asked me specifically to keep it low key, which is not currently the case since it's all over various birding channels. At this point they are requiring birders to stay inside their cars and wait for the warbler to come into the row of hedges that it likes, which it does with good regularity. However, too much pressure on this location, especially if people disregard the rules as set forth, will likely mean that they will shut it down. It wouldn't be the first time something like this has happened. It's not ideal but it is private property and they have done us a favor by letting us in up to this point. Far from me to tell people not to go for this bird, especially if it's a lifer or state bird. However, I'd strongly suggest carpooling to this location or going down to Norwalk for one of the several not difficult to find Orange-crowns that are down there as an alternative. Jamie Meyers Canton, CT