I just came from the Homeless Garden in Santa Cruz, where the Painted Bunting, Prairie Warbler, Clay Colored and Brewer's Sparrows continued around 11:45. While there, I was approached by Darrie, the Executive Director of the Homeless Garden Project with a message she wanted to pass on to the birding community as the garden has gotten a lot of birder traffic in recent days with all the rarities.
She wanted me to pass along first and foremost that birders are welcome in the garden, they are happy to open their gates and share the land that they manage with all members of the community. However, they do have active programs underway at the garden while people are birding, including confidential meetings like counseling sessions, and some people have felt a bit uncomfortable with birders and their cameras standing very close without at least acknowledging their presence or saying hello.
I know we as a birding community appreciate the access to the farm and the special birds it often hosts and I hope we can maintain good relations with the community there, many of whom would love to learn more about the birds on the farm and why we are so excited about them. I think a friendly smile, acknowledgement and awareness when birding in the vicinity of people working or meeting in the garden would go a long way.
