As noted in a Birding Community E-Bulletin rarity feature highlighting a Lesser Sand-Plover in Arizona, the bird appeared just inside Navajo Nation land. As such, outside visitors could have been construed as trespassers. All areas on the Navajo Nation are closed to non-natives for activities such as camping, hiking, research, commercial photography, or any related activity unless a permit is issued by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department, Cultural Affairs office, or other duly delegated tribal authority.
Fortunately, some common sense, good manners, and previous connections prevailed. In fact, when Navajo funeral activity was scheduled by the lake site on Wednesday, 5 October, the sand-plover finders, Chuck LaRue and Jason Wilder, spread the word. LaRue, who has lived on and near the Navajo Nation for 50 years, said that out of respect for the Navajo people and culture and for the friends, family, and loved ones attending the funeral, birders should stay away from the area on that day.
According to Jason Wilder, the response was very positive, "Word was disseminated effectively regarding the local requests for birders to take the day off when the funeral occurred. Chuck and I worked very hard to transmit this information to every available outlet. To my knowledge, there was 100% compliance with the request to avoid the area, and the entire interaction was handled well."
Since the locals were originally quite gracious about letting birders drive in and see the Lesser Sand-plover, and since the birders complied with the funeral request, the issue of access was appropriately addressed, and everyone left with a positive experience. This is another example of how handling access for birders can actually work.
Birding Community E-Bulletin: http://refugeassociation.org/news/birding-bulletin/
