Posted by Jill Rosenfield on March 30, 2003 at 22:16:39:
This morning I went west on Kendall to Krome Avenue, then south precisely 1.4 miles and turned left (east) to the railroad tracks. I did recall Raul Urgelles' Important Message to Birders 3-10-03 concerning a secluded area just south of Kendall to the right over those railroad tracks. Anyhow, there were 2 vehicles already parked there. Great, I thought, there are other birders! Wrong!! Unbeknownst to me, probably the same bird trappers were present: 3 young boys, 2 men and a woman (I believe). One vehicle was a white SUV; the other a dark truck, for which I've got license #. To make a long story short, both vehicles left; after which I removed the trapper cage which I had spotted in the Burma reeds.
BTW, the 3 boys had been sent to watch my moves and reported to the adults once they suspected I had seen/heard the trapped birds. I did return to the trunk of my car to get a long stick with a hook on its end in order to reach the cage. The Gray Catbird and male Painted Bunting were only too happy to be allowed their freedom. I've already begun attempting to reach the Florida Wildlife and Conservation Commission -- and will prevail shortly. I presently have the actual trapper-cage on my doorstep.
This message is a caution to all birders venturing in the area off Krome to preferably not be alone ... and to remain alert and aware of of everything around you.