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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Rose Fletcher" data-source="post: 1233141" data-attributes="member: 43699">I couldn't possibly include only the human element, as the person who started this thread requested, because for me birding is a mix of the human element, and many hours spent waiting, sitting still in a hide - then being rewarded with some of the most magical moments of my life.  The behaviour of birds and animals when they have no idea that I'm watching, or know I'm there but have grown accustomed to my presence, is sweet, brave, combative, funny - and always breath-taking.  So - some highlights:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Watching from the hide as an English Blackbird literally bashed up a seven-foot king brown snake that only wanted a drink at the pool frequented by all the local birds</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Watching a newly-fledged Honeyeater snuggle into a small hollow in the ground in an attempt to recreate the security of the vanished nest</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Watching a variety of birds care for their babies, splash happily in a pool of water, delicately tease out fibres from a long leaf for nesting material.  A very small bird trying to maintain control over a feather as long as itself on a windy day - the other small creatures who from time to time pass in front of my hide, doing what they do - all these things are special moments</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The unexpected nature of the creatures I see, the events that occur</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The people who spot my tent, look carefully, whisper "Oh, there's a camera - let's take the other path, they're trying to photograph birds"  As they tiptoe away, I want to call them back and offer them a cuppa from my thermos, and meet them and chat - but I'd frighten the birds if I did</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The "newby" bird photographers I meet, who ask what birds are to be found, and where, and become excited when told - it's a joy to lead them to the hide, such a privilege to be able to share with people who just want to learn to really see the birds...</li> </ul>I could go on, but this is getting too long already.  As regards the human element in birding - we're it - and as shown in the other thread, we're all too human. :eek!: :'D I've only met one grumpy birder though - I think most of us need some reason before we get grumpy.  And I don't believe the theory that birders shun human company - if that was true, Birdforum wouldn't exist - how many posts have you seen placed here by birds? :-O  As for the one grumpy birder I met - well he was extremely rude, a dedicated oaf.  I sorted him out to my own satisfaction though - completely forgot to tell him where the Crested Shrike-tits were. o<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big grin    :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" /></blockquote>

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