I was asked for a response, and to respect the Listserve, I will keep this brief. I was the driver of the offending van. I made the choice to park on the hard surface of the road after evaluating that there was no reinforced shoulder, no other traffic, and no other constriction that would impede traffic past us on this low speed neighborhood road. I was concern about leaving ruts by pulling a 4- ton van onto the vegetation. Upon the suggestion to move I noted several others besides our group using the van as a psuedo-blind, and a photographer laying in front of us taking photos. I made a choice, obviously a poor one, to not make noise with the van backup warning, or pull forward into the view and photofield of those outside my group. Perhaps, I should have dropped the group and continued driving. The outcome apparently was illegal, unethical, a poor reflection on my agency and on birders as a whole. My intentions were not selfish, just trying to have the least impact given the options. For violating the rules of birding, I apologize. If you have further issue, please contact me directly. [email protected].
Skot Latona South suburban pk and Rec 303-730-1022
