Halls Road birds of a different feather?

[RobMcKay]

Well, I have been to Halls Road many times, but the last few times got a little strange......
People walking around servicing other people behind trees, bushes, you get the picture! I wont be taking my daughter (or anyone else for that matter) there any time soon.
When did Halls Road turn into a bathhouse?

[Kin Lau]

It's been like that for years. Gets worse during the summer on the beach.

Just make sure that your camera is readily visible.

I don't bother stopping if I see a few non-birders/non-photogs around in their cars idling.

[RobMcKay]

I think its a week day thing, as its too busy with birders for that action on the weekends. All the nasty (and I do mean nasty) encounters lately have been on a week day.
Maybe they should stick a sign up warning people,
It would read,
"The birds you may encounter here on your nature walk are X rated, you must be 19 years of age to pass this point."

[Ann Brokelman]

I am glad you have posted this Rob.  It is important that people know especially if they are going alone.  After today I will have to decide where I go birding alone.  Changes everything I enjoy.

[Kin Lau]

Don't worry Ann, these guys aren't into girls.

If we start staying away, then we're surrendering the place to them. If anything, increased frequency of birders and/or photogs on Hall's Road would deter these activities.

[RobMcKay]

I do understand what you are saying Kin, but for some I do not think its worth the chance of running into to that kind of action.
Its not that Ann was feeling threatened (I don't think) and/or others sexual preferences,but the fact that she and others had witnessed the act while birding is disturbing.
Really, sneaking around looking for birds takes on a whole new meaning, with that in the back of your mind, who needs it?
Its one thing if you turn a corner on a quite beach (or the like) and witness it, its a fluke, that's one thing. But if its a well know fact that this goes on in the area, you wont be coming back...
Lots of other places to go out there....
Rob

[RobMcKay]

If this is going on in -15c, I cant imagine summer evenings when the light is just right, yikes!
I now know why a lot of people shoot photos from their cars on Halls road.

[Anonymous]

Maybe a few shots taken and posted somewhere,,or the threat of it may deter this from happening,,,,someone put up a sign that says." You are being photographed, and it will be posted on the web." Just a thought. I dont go there that often, so someone else is gonna have to step up to the plate and start snapping,,lol.  u up for it Kin??? hehe

[Anonymous]

That threat doesn't work on Hanlans Point where it is just as blatant in Spring, Summer and Fall but it is worth a shot so to speak but be careful as not all are as meek as the movies, etc. portray them.
  Even contacting the authorities does not seem to help as none of them want to be seen as politically incorrect.

[Ann Brokelman]

Kin and Rob:  I know they are not interested in me but I don't want to walk into a situation on an isolated path, alone, with a camera, again in the middle of nowhere.  I felt really uncomfortable.  And lastly it spoiled my day off - and I only get them once in a while.

[iatsegirl]

Hello everyone!  My name is Vivianne, I am a new member.  I am not familiar with Halls Road.  However, I live off the Bluffs and experience the same difficulty while strolling by the lake.  As much as the police try tromping down a 300 ft cliff, they sometimes don't make it all the way. Has anyone reported to the police what goes on at Halls Road?

[Ann Brokelman]

Yes I reported it to one of the regular birder who then contacted the authorities.  The birders at Halls Rd. are taking this very serious and looking at what can be done.  I know they will take action.

[Lee]

I'm glad to hear people are doing something about it.  I go to Halls by myself sometimes, not thinking anything of it because there are usually other birders around.  Same goes for Rosetta McLain Gardens.  

Were these people in the forested area or by the portable or empty house?

[Kin Lau]

Especially for Ann, a report from you directly to the police would carry a lot of weight.

The tone of a report from a single female feeling threatened by sexual activity in a public area is much different from one from any of us guys.

[Ron Luft]

No truer was said than the answer is in more vistors. A similar problem in High Park was remedied by creating a children's garden and focussing more activities in the area. police patrols previously were marginally effective, but people traffic works remarkably well. What hHall's Rd. might need are some school groups and nature tours, though police vigilance couldn't hurt.