Folks, I am being asked by the local birders (who I believe have genuine concerns) to make photographers aware of the ethics of filming birds on the nest. Apologies to all the fine photographers here who are highly responsible and professional, however there are some photographers who film nesting birds and their young and who get too close and stay too long without due regard for the future of the nesting birds. If you read this and think it applies to you then please try to back off a little. A rule of thumb is if the bird or animal's behavior changes due to your presence then you are too close.
The issue probably applies to animals too.
Thanks and sorry for the posting since the vast majority of people will not need this reminder.
There is a specific nest of particular concern but unfortunately disclosing its location will only exacerbate the problem I suspect.
Hi Bill, Good reminder. Last year at Gros Ventre campground in the Tetons this occurred.
There was a nest of G.H. owls quite low and people were on top of them forcing the parent to stay away from the nest. The prime lens guys were staying back the proper distance with xtenders. Others with smaller glass where on top of the nest. The ranger and camp host was ingoring the situation. I went over to headquarters and notified them and they finally put up a boundry tape. Can't tell you how many times I've seen this type of harrasement.
Now boundary tape would be a good idea. In the case I was referring to, the cameras were on top of car roofs right under the tree, shouting at the birds to get their attention etc etc. Not good.
This is a very important topic. Don, you did the right thing by going to the authorities. We discuss wildlife ethical practices with the group during our new wildlife photography seminar and other wildlife tours. We also pass out copies of the NANPA's Principles of Ethical Field Practices, which are available here: http://www.nanpa.org/docs/principles.pdf. I recently had a chance to mention the concept briefly in an article I co-wrote with Becky Lomax for Backpacker Magazine: http://www.backpacker.com/october-09-the-manual-how-to-shoot-wildlife-photography/skills/13331. Bill, thanks for bringing this up, even though I suspect most in this organization don't need reminding.
Discussion
3 repliesThe issue probably applies to animals too.
Thanks and sorry for the posting since the vast majority of people will not need this reminder.
There is a specific nest of particular concern but unfortunately disclosing its location will only exacerbate the problem I suspect.
There was a nest of G.H. owls quite low and people were on top of them forcing the parent to stay away from the nest. The prime lens guys were staying back the proper distance with xtenders. Others with smaller glass where on top of the nest. The ranger and camp host was ingoring the situation. I went over to headquarters and notified them and they finally put up a boundry tape. Can't tell you how many times I've seen this type of harrasement.
Cheers, Ken