Egads... In our unsuccessful bid to locate the Northern Shrike several weeks ago, we noted the "locals" didn't seem too happy with our stopping on the road either... It is interesting how different areas of the state have different opinions of "interlopers..." By contrast, the locals in Northeast Missouri have actually opened their gates to allow traffic ONTO their pastures to provide a better view of the Snowy Owl. Jean mentioned that a small article / add saying thank you to the local in the local newspapers would be a good idea... I am pursuing this. Something along the lines of, "Birders from Missouri and surrounding states would like to say Thank You to the local landowners who have opened their heart, minds and gates to the birders seeking the Snowy Owl." Input on the wording would be appreciated! Patrick -----Original Message----- From: MO Wild Bird Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Farmer Sent: Saturday, January 18, 2003 4:15 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Skidmore Northern Shrike I refound the Northern Shrike this morning along highway DD west of Skidmore between the Nodaway River and the next gravel road. It was very skitterish, and about the time we were able to get a decent look for more than a second or two, a local farmer stopped to see what we were doing, gave us a weird look, and informed us that it was only a sparrow and then drove off scaring away the shrike with it. 30 minutes later it finally came back to the wires along the road, and then flew to a close bush, to display itself. There were Horned Larks everywhere too, but couldn't find any Longspurs. Also, the Public Phone in Skidmore doesn't work, but the people in the gas station across the street will make change for you to use it, and then watch and laugh at you when the phone takes your money. It must be the local prank on the 'outsiders.' David Farmer Maryville _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus __________________________________________________ * Audubon Society of Missouri's * * Wild Bird Discussion Forum * *------------------------------------------------* * To unsubscribe send the message * * SIGNOFF MOBIRDS-L * * to [log in to unmask] * * To subscribe send the message * * SUBSCRIBE MOBIRDS-L your name * * to [log in to unmask] * *------------------------------------------------* * To access the list archives from July 2002 on: * * http://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html * ################################################## __________________________________________________ * Audubon Society of Missouri's * * Wild Bird Discussion Forum * *------------------------------------------------* * To unsubscribe send the message * * SIGNOFF MOBIRDS-L * * to [log in to unmask] * * To subscribe send the message * * SUBSCRIBE MOBIRDS-L your name * * to [log in to unmask] * *------------------------------------------------* * To access the list archives from July 2002 on: * * http://po.missouri.edu/archives/mobirds-l.html * ##################################################