Bird watchers vs gay men seeking sex in public park.

[ohiosmith]

Nature setting lures controversy
Area's wooded terrain becomes contested ground for 2 groups at odds: Bird-watchers and gay men seeking sex

By Josh Noel | Tribune staff reporter
October 24, 2007

Luis Munoz, an avid bird watcher of 12 years, has seen a remarkable range of rare winged creatures this fall migration season, including the Nelson's sharp-tailed sparrow and the red knot.

He also has come face to face with one species he hopes never to encounter again but knows he will: the Chicago cruiser.

As sure as Munoz and his fellow birders can find an array of lovely birds in the area's most densely wooded spots, they also routinely find men trolling for casual sex.

Birders and cruisers have found value in the same patches of land because not only do they attract scores of birds, but they also allow for partial privacy and chance encounters in a public setting.

In cruiser communities, birding areas are known to be prime hook-up spots.

"It's bad, dude, real bad," said Munoz, 47, a Chicago police homicide detective who began birdwatching during a trip to Yellowstone National Park. "I've been confronted a couple times, and I've seen a few things happening. Like guys in the middle of some things."

Many of the birders' favorite areas, such as the Magic Hedge at Montrose Harbor and several Cook County Forest Preserves, are littered with used condoms and discarded wrappers.

Chicago and Cook County Forest Preserve police said they have long been familiar with clashing cultures, but that cruising is difficult to combat despite patrols, arrests for public indecency and the occasional undercover sting.

more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-birders_24oct24,0,3883903.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

[AllegroRondo]

1. "Ive never seen so many Republican Senators in one place!"

said Munoz, 47, a Chicago police homicide detective who began birdwatching during a trip to Yellowstone National Park.

[ohiosmith]

3. :

:rofl:

[triguy46]

9. Oh that's outstanding! LOL!

[Parche]

2. Birds Of A Feather Fuk Together

:shrug: :shrug: :hi:

[XemaSab]

4. This is actually a real problem

not just for birders but for families. :(

And I can't believe they mentioned the Magic Hedge! :bounce:

[tuckessee]

5. I had the same problem at night in my neighborhood.

Cops actually told me I was better off with peeping toms mastrubating outside windows than the drug dealers that would be here if the pervs weren't.:shrug:

[semillama]

6. Wait a minute

so peeping toms scare away drug dealers? how does that work?

[ohiosmith]

7. So,....Neighborhood Watch people should all dress like peeping Toms.

:thumbsup:

[KamaAina]

8. Well, if Larry Craig does step down,

he can always be the head of the Audubon Society :P

[Richard Steele]

10. He he he. You said "bird watcher". he he he.