There is a great post on Birdchick’s blog today – Documenting Bad Behavior of Birders and Photographers.
She’s making a point about birders and photographers who disturb the birds to get ‘that perfect shot.’ Should we be documenting their actions and publicizing them?
I say YES! Put the video or photo on every social media outlet you can access. Contact the TV stations and ask them to run it. Let’s put the spotlight on these morons, and make everyone aware of just how disgusting and harmful their actions are.
This video is up on YouTube – take it, make it yours, spread it to every outlet you can find.
Photographers ignore signs, trample habitat, and chase Snowy Owls in a protected wildlife area on Boundary Bay, British Columbia, Canada. Feb 3, 2012.
Hundreds of people flock here to watch the Snowy Owls during winter irruptions. Over 20 owls could be seen at one time in a relatively small area this year. Many were roosting within a few meters of the hiking trail and were enjoyed by onlookers without causing any apparent stress. An amazing spectacle!
Most people stay on the dike and keep a reasonable distance as posted signs suggest, but some photographers choose to leave the trail and repeatedly approach owls to the point they become alert and fly off. Not only does this change individual owl’s behavior and possibly threaten their livelihood, but also enrages respectable birders and photographers who are viewing them from the trail. There are even reports of someone throwing objects at owls to make them fly for the best photo!!
This is simply wrong and unethical behavior that has grown out of control at this location. Unfortunately, local wildlife managers are doing little to police the situation. I urge all visitors who are frustrated or disgusted with this scene to contact officials and ask them to address the issue. This is one of the best locations in the world to view Snowy Owls during irruption years, let’s keep it that way… PROTECT WILDLIFE AND IT’S HABITAT!
What a jerk off!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
I agree with all of the above, especially Linda’s PS; it is my mantra :). Likely won’t report owl sightings (if i get one).
This type of behavior makes me sick and gives the rest of the bird photographers a bad name. Poor Owl, all it wanted was to rest and be left alone.
Sad but true. The only way to deter these people is to have a someone stationed right there and warn them off, preferably with mention of a stiff fine for what they’re doing.
Signs do little for people like this. I’ve approached photographers to educate them on similar issues and am usually ignored. it’s all about getting their shot at all costs.
I can’t believe this. Well, yes, I guess I can. PS: People suck.