Simon Wates
Well-known member
Not at all, I just say that I don't, and others, new to bird watching (and more prone to make mistakes in identifying) should not be made to feel obliged to arduously collect data.
I like to birdwatch, I dont want my birdwatching to be overly arduous, or cause me concern that I could not record ever species in an area in ten to twenty minutes, nor worrying that I am listing a vagrant or an escapee, or how many generations of pheasants it takes for them to be cat A. BUT i know that many others enjoy that, and through Bird Forum, I can vicariously enjoy their enjoyment, without telling them they are doing it right or doing it wrong, but to feel some sense of happiness that they are doing it.
I have never totted up my life list, but have visited well over 100 countries on all continents but Antarctica, so would hazard a guess its well into four figures, but I am still overjoyed at the sight of a Bullfing in my garden. I know that my way is not the way everyone else does it, but as someone that finds it easy to become obsessive, I deliberately put parameters around it, and respect everyone else's right to do so, as well.
Kudos to the people that are conserving but I do not 'belittle' nor am I a 'disgrace'.
Judge not, lest...
I was far too hard on my comments - I think it was a bit of the grumpy old man syndrome creeping in. I think what got me antagonistic (and for that I'm dearly sorry!) is the fact that at the moment I keep seeing loads of photos (most poor) of adult birds stressed out near the nest with comments by the taker of the "pretty bird" kind. It really gets my gripe when I see the abundance of photos like these, where folk really just want to be thought of as a "nature photographer sort of expert kinda person" who obviously know Jack sh*t about sensitivity in the field and are totally immersed in there own image.
Bottom line, should have kept my mouth shut - sorry again!
On the code of conduct - all sound advice to me and I think its a great thing to encourage citizen science, though I agree that no-one should be made to feel guilty if they don't participate.