In recent years I have become increasingly aware of the poor reputation of bird photographers in the birding community. I had thought this was due to the behaviour of a few inexperienced photographers, often with inappropriate gear, ignorant of birding ethics and the courtesy that we must show other birders we meet in the field. I never expected BirdLife photographers would be a problem. Unfortunately, I have had my confidence shaken a few times in the last few years and following an appalling incident yesterday on a BirdLife outing, I feel compelled to say something.
A group of about 15 members approached a sand-spit, a well-known roosting place for shore-birds on a rising tide. The birds were there in good numbers but so too was another birder with a scope. We exchanged pleasantries and asked if he was onto anything interesting. He explained that he was part of a local BirdLife group who were spread out around the bay and conducting a regular shorebird survey. We skirted around him and moved to a second sand-spit where the birds were expected to move as the tide rose. The tide did not rise as much as expected and no birds came to ‘our’ sand-spit. While we were waiting for some action, one of our group made a close approach to the birds on the first sand-spit and ended up about 50 m in front of the survey scope and the rest of the group. A few birds nervously left and no new flocks flew in as usually happens. I heard one of our most experienced members on several occasions exclaim “she’s going too close!” and Jill noticed the steam coming out of my ears and heard muttered expletives at which point she suggested we go home. I don’t know what the person doing the bird survey thought, I was embarrassed and angry, I hope there is no blow-back for our group as a consequence.
For anyone unfamiliar with field ethics, please take note. If you arrive at a place and find another birder quietly enjoying the birds, do not ignore him and assume you can do as you like. If you can make contact with him without disturbing the birds you may do so. He will probably be happy to tell you what he can see and if you ask can you join him, he will probably say yes. If he has a scope he will probably invite you to take a look at any special birds. The general rule to be strictly observed when you find another birder using a scope is not to advance closer to the birds than the scope or line of scopes if there is more than one. This particularly applies to shore-birding where observers are not only interested in what is in front but are waiting for the next wave of birds to arrive. If you are a photographer you will probably want to get closer to the birds in which case you will have to wait or go elsewhere and find your ‘own’ flock of birds. This scenario is regularly played out at the Western Treatment Plant where, especially on weekends, there is a phalanx of scopes at the main shore-bird roosts. You can stop and ask about any special sightings but don’t advance in front of the scopes to take pictures. The same rule applies if you come upon another photographer who has set up his tripod and is waiting for the perfect shot. He will probably already be as close as the birds will allow so if you go any closer there is a good chance the birds will take flight. If in doubt about how you should behave in the field, put yourself in the boots of the other birder and imagine how he is feeling about your actions.