John Cantelo
Well-known member
OK let's get one thing out of the way, most photographers most of the time behave sensibly and with due regard to the birds and birders. This, it seems to me, is particularly true of birders turned photographers who know the drill and birding etiquette.
The increasing availability and relatively low cost of digital gear, though, appears to have seen the rise in what I call 'phwitchers' - people who chase the local rarities/scarcities for a photo but evidently have little idea about birds, their responsibilities or obligations. Often (but not always) they can be identified by having long-lenses or bridge camera but no bins. For the most part, they're happy to learn and do no harm (although do tend to hog space in hides).
However, there seems a subset whose lack of awareness, skills and reluctance to do the right thing can cause much friction and potential harm. Earlier this week, despite clear forum rules against doing so, one such posted photos of a Peregrine with the caption "Not sure if these Peregrine have used it (i.e. an old Raven's nest on which the bird was perched). I'll find out once the young start to show".. . When I questioned his doing so I got the jaw-droppingly crass reply “I never said it was an active nest. I said once the young start to show I'll know”. (The post was quickly removed, thankfully). I've even had reports of such folks sitting in groups above an active Peregrine's nest taking photos & refusing to move. Still more worryingly, threatening a birder who asked them to move on a second occasion with a baseball bat or stave. Unfortunately, the police seem very reluctant to get involved (even in the latter case) so what should we birders do? Most are open to reason but some are not ...
The increasing availability and relatively low cost of digital gear, though, appears to have seen the rise in what I call 'phwitchers' - people who chase the local rarities/scarcities for a photo but evidently have little idea about birds, their responsibilities or obligations. Often (but not always) they can be identified by having long-lenses or bridge camera but no bins. For the most part, they're happy to learn and do no harm (although do tend to hog space in hides).
However, there seems a subset whose lack of awareness, skills and reluctance to do the right thing can cause much friction and potential harm. Earlier this week, despite clear forum rules against doing so, one such posted photos of a Peregrine with the caption "Not sure if these Peregrine have used it (i.e. an old Raven's nest on which the bird was perched). I'll find out once the young start to show".. . When I questioned his doing so I got the jaw-droppingly crass reply “I never said it was an active nest. I said once the young start to show I'll know”. (The post was quickly removed, thankfully). I've even had reports of such folks sitting in groups above an active Peregrine's nest taking photos & refusing to move. Still more worryingly, threatening a birder who asked them to move on a second occasion with a baseball bat or stave. Unfortunately, the police seem very reluctant to get involved (even in the latter case) so what should we birders do? Most are open to reason but some are not ...