Birding ethics.

Hi everyone. I'd like to preface this by saying that I'm not really a birder but I have a fascination with owls that I wanted to explore photographically this year. I live near some large parks and wild areas that are known for raptor activity during the migration periods so I've been spending some time in those locations. I haven't been successful thus far.

I had an interesting encounter this past weekend when I was approached by a park employee about my activities. He explained that there is a growing trend amongst photogs to chase birds down or bait them to get the perfect shot. He went on to explain that during the migration these birds are exhausted and need rest more than anything else and that there is a rising number of birds that require rescue by local organizations or are otherwise dying as a consequence of this harassment. He went onto point a finger at one local photographer who runs group birding tours who goes as far as chasing birds in an SUV across fields. I took a look at his site and he does have some exceptional shots but having been educated on his practices it does appear that he is more than lucky.

I think it would be interesting to hear everyone's take on this. Is this a widespread problem?

Not familiar with birding but that seems a little dramatic. What's the difference of people with bird feeders or any other vehicle that chases wildlife for the right shot, you see it all the time with NatGeo. I guess the issue is doing it in a park or wildlife reserve. On your own property or in the wild is probably a better option.

Here's something relevant:

https://photography-on-the.net …read.php?t=1279​737&page=1

Levina de Ruijter wrote in post #17370803
Here's something relevant:

https://photography-on-the.net …read.php?t=1279​737&page=1

Wow. I read the thread and then did some more reading online. Seems like quite a serious issue where the birds are concerned. Strange how many things we never consider when we approach something for the first time.

This is not a problem with just one or two photographers.
There are many that do this.

There is a NW North American photographer that he admitted/bragged about throwing rocks at birds to get flight shots. Also putting mice in a clear Tupperware container and turning it upside down to get owls to repeatedly attack. This gives the person the ability to get those talons out straight in shots.

The only way to stop it is to confront them when it happens. I'm not naming the person but they too lead tours.
I'm a photographer that likes birds and it is rather annoying to hear about these practices.

This goes well beyond bird seed or call playback. Chasing in a truck is forced flushing and uses lots of energy.
I hope the person in question sees ther errors they have done and stops.

Unfortunately several of the members here who have posted some of the most exceptional in flight shots over the last few years have been found to have done it in very unethical ways. It's a stain on everyone who does it right. That being said it's a good reminder for most of us because I doubt there is anyone here who hasn't taken it too far at least once or twice. It doesn't take much, could just be scaring a hawk off their perch by approaching and forcing them to waste energy flying around. We all learn from out mistakes and I've made it a point to be more respectful. If I approach and something flies off, I let it go. No following from tree to tree trying to get shots.

I'm fortunate in that there are several sites close to home where the birds are comfortable around humans and allow for fairly close photographs to be taken.

That being said, I have heard of guides using techniques I find troubling in other Florida sites. I haven't witnessed it first hand but have read articles about it.

I think those of us who continue to be focal length limited have to remind ourselves to avoid impacting the subjects of our photographs.

Some photographers have no boundaries. some want to make a living at this and will do so at any cost, w/o regard to the wildlife/land they photograph.

There was also a well known bird-in-flight instructor who was fined $10,000 for disturbing endangered snail kite nests. His friends said he was set up. They said he was going to make a post about it, but I never saw it. I would've liked to have heard his side of the story as it looked pretty bad.

I have no issues with baiting raptors...harassment I do have an issue with and will notify the necessary authorities if I witness someone harassing wildlife.

I also feel baiting takes the fun and skill out of photographing something because you can now predict what is going to happen and where....to me you might as well go to the zoo and photograph wildlife. How much skill does it take to carry a 5 gallon bucket of frozen fish and toss them out for eagles to catch in front of you using a 200mm lens or place an owl decoy on a pole and photograph hawks attacking it. Sure, the images may be spectacular but knowing how it was achieved leaves me unimpressed and I will not comment or recognize an image like that...that's just me.

I do feed/bait my backyard birds but I was doing that long before I bought my first digital camera. I actually designated part of my backyard for bird photography and use props for them to perch on. Raptors I treat/approach a lot differently than the common backyard bird because of what they're capable of doing to someone or a pet if they start associating humans with food. Over the last few years there's been news reports of Red-tailed Hawks attacking and killing small dogs. Although rare and most of the time these hawks were young and starving but it shows what they can be capable of.

jhayesvw wrote in post #17371777
This is not a problem with just one or two photographers.
There are many that do this.

There is a NW North American photographer that he admitted/bragged about throwing rocks at birds to get flight shots. Also putting mice in a clear Tupperware container and turning it upside down to get owls to repeatedly attack. This gives the person the ability to get those talons out straight in shots.

The only way to stop it is to confront them when it happens. I'm not naming the person but they too lead tours.
I'm a photographer that likes birds and it is rather annoying to hear about these practices.

This goes well beyond bird seed or call playback. Chasing in a truck is forced flushing and uses lots of energy.
I hope the person in question sees ther errors they have done and stops.

+1

I have a bird feeder in my yard, for the birds who normally inhabit my garden, and since setting it up the bird numbers have increased.

In the wild I prefer to stalk the birds, or set up a hide so that they can go about their business undisturbed. I have no problem with stopping to photograph hawks eating road-kill, which is not so different from "baiting", but the idea of chasing down or teasing birds (or anything wild) is repugnant to me. As for migratory birds that stop to rest, I believe they should be admired from a reasonable distance and not harassed!

I think it's fun to harass snowbirds, but that's just me.

I think I would have to "HARASS" anyone I see messing with the birds. They are to be enjoyed and admired from a reasonable distance. Now if I can walk up to them quietly and they stay put, great, if they take off I don't chase them. As far as feeders go those of us in the north who feed and water do the backyard birds a invaluable service. Besides my Sharpies and Cooper's hawks like to visit for a sparrow snack from time to time, I get to watch and everybody wins!