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Message: <blockquote data-quote="PhilW" data-source="post: 1718474" data-attributes="member: 1738">Spot on Jane.This shouldn't degenerate into slanging match between birders & photogrpahers. As someone who enjoys both the welfare of the birds is paramount. Members of the public walking dogs shouldn't come into the equation  - unless they've been asked politely to refrain from disturbing the waders and still insist on doing so. I'm a dog loving birder who also likes photography. My dog comes with me most of the time I'm out but is well behaved and under control all the time. Most non-birders wouldn't realise the implications of what they are doing. However, binocular toting, camera wielding 'birders' should. There has been enough publicity about the effects of the cold weather on birds and any responsible photographer / birder should realise the consequences of their actions. Apart from that there are signs up along the seafront asking people not to disturb the roosting birds. Unfortunately to much of this behaviour is going on. Remember the photographer marched off the marshes at Parkgate by the RSPB after sticking his hide right in the middle of the area where the harriers roost or the guys named and shamed for disturbing the Snowy Owl in Cornwall? There is a vast difference between using fieldcraft to get near to birds and get fantastic shots as opposed to standing in the open on a beach where the birds are trying to roost with no attempt to try and break their silhouette.</blockquote>

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