DFO Field Trip to Timnath Reservoir

[Gregg Goodrich]

Cobirders

I will be leading a half day DFO field trip to Timnath Reservoir on Tuesday morning September 11. The shorebirds and terns have been great there so far this year. Maybe an unusual gull or goose will show. Nick Komar has graciously agreed to lead us around the area at sunrise. Signup for the trip by going to the link below.

https://dfobirds.org/FieldTrips/UpcomingTrips.aspx

Gregg Goodrich

Highlands Ranch

[John Shenot]

Gregg, DFO Field Trip Participants, and all interested readers,

I just wanted to remind everyone about unique access issues at Timnath Reservoir. I've posted about this on COBIRDS in the past, but it bears repeating.

The Town of Timnath decided a few years ago to restrict access to the reservoir and the town park to town residents only. A permit is required for access, and only town residents can get a permit. When the town made this decision, I contacted officials in my role as President of Fort Collins Audubon Society and explained how important Timnath Reservoir is to birders. Town officials decided that they would make an exception and not enforce the permit requirement for birders. They communicated this to the volunteers and employees who work in the town park and sometimes ask to see permits, as well as to Town police. 

I want you to know that the sign at the park entrance still says permit required, and the town ordinance still restricts access to town residents only. All we have is verbal agreement and an email from town officials (who may or may not still be in office!) saying the requirements will not be enforced. They could reverse this policy at any time, so it is incredibly important to the birding community that we are respectful, friendly, polite, and nice to everyone we encounter near the reservoir. Be ambassadors for birds and birding! If you are asked to show a permit or show proof of town residence by any police officer, employee, or volunteer working in the park, DON'T BE OFFENDED. Don't get snippy. Politely explain that you are birding, and that it's your understanding that the town exempts birders from the permit requirement. If anyone representing the town doesn't know about the exemption and tells you to leave, don't argue with them. Just leave - and again be polite and nice, no matter how frustrating or annoying it might be. Fort Collins Audubon will follow up with the town if this happens and try to rectify the situation.

Have a great outing,

John Shenot

President, Fort Collins Audubon Society