If you are planning to bird the Niagara River on the American side, then you need to read this. NOTE: this is not a joke!
Today, Dean DiTommaso and I walked Bird Island Pier in Buffalo, in search of the recently reported Willet. Bird Island Pier starts at Squaw Island and runs south, parallel to the NY shore and 200 yards out. It crosses under the Peace Bridge (the bridge between the US and Canada) and continues for a total one-way length of about 1.5 to 2 miles. We were a little beyond the very end of the pier, studying the Willet for some five minutes, when three Buffalo Police Officers walked up to the end of the pier. One drew his gun and shouted to us, "Put your hands in the air and walk slowly toward us!" He then repeated his demand. We left our scopes where they were and did as ordered. Apparently, someone reported that two people were filming the Peace Bridge. Obviously, we were not but is that a crime? (Rhetorical question.) We eased their concerns very quickly after providing ID and telling them what we were doing. Nevertheless, they told us that we had to go back to the beginning of the pier with them because there were people there who wanted to talk to us. Upon returning to the start of the pier, we noticed about 8 vehicles, mostly Buffalo P.D. but also the Border Patrol and perhaps some unmarked vehicles. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard was patrolling the water keeping an eye on us during the entire affair. All told, there were probably 15 law enforcement personnel involved. We were also told that the FBI was on the way. After waiting some 45 more minutes, they requested to search my vehicle. Since I wanted to get out of there and continue birding on this fine weather day, I let them. Finally, they decided we could go. But first, we had to go through the TV interview - Channel 7. The Border Patrol gave me a card, suggesting that birders phone them when they are going to be out on the pier or anywhere near one of the international bridges. Obviously, you don't have to do this since you have every right to bird but it could save you some hassle. (It's the scopes that make them nervous.) Here are the numbers: Border Patrol: Local - (716) 447-3942 Toll-free - (800) 331-0353 Email - [EMAIL PROTECTED] Good birding! Willie -------------- Willie D'Anna Betsy Potter Niagara Falls, N.Y. [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Willie D'Anna & Betsy Potter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
