I am writing this post this evening as I felt a little disappointed after my visit to Davidstow airfield today. As many of you will know a Long billed Dowitcher is present and showing extremely well. Cars can get within 15 feet of the bird, and indeed all photographers seemed to be getting the shots and positions they needed. This was until a well known Videographer turned up and proceeded to get out of his car and creep 3 feet closer than he was when he was in his car. I would merely have laughed at such a pointless gesture if the bird’s behaviour had not changed, it obviously became agitated and alert at being approached. The bird did not show this behaviour when people were getting out of the vehicles at a sensible distance. I have also observed this careless and inconsiderate behaviour when the Buff breasted Sandpiper showed up, again well known birders getting out of their vehicles when so close to the bird causing it to flush.
I would not normally get involved with twitching politics as it is not really my scene or interest; however the lack of field craft annoys me! Why do you need to get out of your vehicle when you are all ready so close to the intended subject? When is it right to cause a bird to move or flush for a photo or video? Or wave your arms around out the window to get friends closer? Please educate me if I am in the wrong here, but I must add I have been taught to think of the bird’s well being before gaining photos or better views.
Kind Regards
Peter Roseveare