Rochelle Del Monte Ponds (no sightings) PSA

[Daniel & Barbara Williams]

Hello everyone!

This is a public service announcement.  

The Rochelle Del Monte ponds are private property.  The owners and lessees have been generous in allowing birders to look into the ponds up to now.  BUT, the land is leased for duck hunting, and the waterfowl season begins tomorrow, October 16, 2021.  The hunters plan to be hunting tomorrow, October 16, 2021 (I believe that it is the start of the youth waterfowl hunting season).

PLEASE do not visit or attempt to bird at the ponds beginning tomorrow or any other day during the waterfowl hunting season.  The owners have been tolerant, but trespassing on their land during the hunting season could jeopardize future birding access opportunities.  

Ted Wolff posted a report on the GroupMe rarity chat this morning to the same effect as a result of his conversation with one of the hunters.  

Thank you all for honoring this request.  

Dan Williams

Rockford