Postings of locations on this forum and the sightings page.

[StewH]

This not is not meant to start an argument.... had far too many of those in the past.  More of a plea.

Could I ask photographers to think carefully before posting site details of their shots please (and similarly to all birders, before posting on the sightings page).

The shot of the 'Goshawk' is a prime example of where I think we, as photographers, are getting it wrong.  If this is indeed a Gos (which I don't think it is by the way) then everyone including egg collectors, gamekeepers and general riff-raff would now have site details of a much-persecuted schedule 1 species and the chance of them being left undisturbed would be virtually nil!

This pictured in fact reminded me to write this, as I had intended to whinge at this time of year anyway.  

Our warblers have just started arriving and will no doubt give some excellent photo opportunities as they proclaim their territory.  Last year, Ian posted some wonderful shots of Grasshopper Warblers which caused a 'mass twitch' of other photographers to the site to try and copy Ian's results.

The fact that there were so many photographers putting so much pressure on a very localised site was terrible and directly caused the desertion of a nest by the local Stonechats.  I wonder how many of the said photographers are even aware that this happened?

So a plea, please, to all of us....  continue to post the many varied and excellent shots that are being taken but think very carefully about the impact on the site before posting details.  There are plenty of other sites where Groppers and Sedgies display, look for your own, don't spend too much time 'waiting' (=disturbing the site) at any one place and give the already established breeding residents a chance to succeed.

Thanks,

Stew

[Michael_A]

The other side of this is that if people know there is a species in an area they will be more keeping an eye open for potential egg thieves etc. Most species fail in nesting due to corvids and mammals than by disturbance by humans. But i agree common sense must prevail. 

[IanF]

Must admit that I agree with Stew's sentiments. Whilst I don't post exact details of where I've seen/photographed sensitive species, even posting general locations can cause problems.

I think the Grasshopper Warbler example is perhaps the most pertinent. It was disheartening to see people walking within inches of the Stonechat's nest last year totally ignorant of the newly built nest as they tried to get closer to a Grasshopper Warbler - which incidentally was no where near to the one's I'd photographed albeit also at Dormans Pool. The Stonechats abandoned it straight away though I doubt they'd started laying as they were still constructing it earlier that morning. Commonsense should have dictated that they stand back and observe an area before marching in with so many ground nesting birds in that area. Ironically at least two pairs of Grasshopper Warbler nested right beside the path to the hide and could been seen/photographed from the path without risking disturbance of other species. Even then some people were spending far too long stood by the nests waiting for them to reappear. At least the Stonechats did relocate and successfully breed.

The Hen Harrier is another example as at least two people have wandered into the middle of the area it hunts, risking chasing it off altogether instead of being patient and remaining at the margins.

The Goshawk photos to me actually show a Sparrowhawk instead which I'd seen soaring on thermals 45 mins earlier.

[TobyAW]

Just a quick nod towards the recent newsletter. On page 12 you will find the following information that I have copied onto the end of this post.

To make this work we need those in the field to not only follow these guidelines but also let others know about them. Unfortunately common sense doesn't seem to prevail which is why these guidelines have come about. If you see anyone not following the 4 points below, wherever they may be, please engage in some discussion and if need be print this out and carry it with you. This way you are speaking on behalf of the TBC and RSPB rather than offering your personal opinion.

Hope this helps people's awareness of the responsibilities they have when out and about, both to the wildlife and your fellow enthusiasts.


Guidelines for Wildlife PhotographersDue to the growing number of new amateur bird photographers in our area, the Conservation Sub-Committee has developed some guidelines for responsible photography in association with RSPB and TVWT. It is recognised that there is a significant number of long-standing, experienced amateur bird photographers in our region who are fully aware of their legal and moral obligations when pursuing their photography and it is hoped that they will help those who are still gaining knowledge, fieldcraft and experience.
The guidelines are intended to provide advice for new and aspiring photographers and a guide to good practice to ensure that the photographer stays within the law. Some members have reported a growing number of incidents involving photographers in recent years, including disturbance of Schedule 1 breeding species, chasing or harassing birds and damage to habitat. The guidelines are in no way intended to be dictatorial or to stifle photographers' enjoyment but merely to provide some legal and moral guidelines that should underpin all responsible bird photography. They fall under four main headings, viz. :
1. The welfare of wildlife is more important than getting closer for a photograph
2. Preserve and respect habitat
3. The experience of others should be considered at all times
4. Remember your legal obligations
The first draft document has been commented on by a number of our leading Cleveland bird photographers and virtually all fully endorsed the Guidelines, subject to a few minor amendments, which have now been made. The final draft will shortly be published on the TBC's and TVWT's websites.     

[tim robinson]

I did think twice,about posting picks of possible gos,but went ahead as a positive sighting of a male gos was put on sightings .on the 27/3   in the same location.            may be it was because it was a photo and not just a sighting it had a bit more impact . but i have learnd my lesson, were do you stop any body wanting a stufft hen harrier nos were to get one.