I am sorry to hear there are those making a bad name for all bird photographers. Being a bird photographer involved in bird conservation as well, I do not push the limits for the sake of that perfect shot. Even with a supertelephoto lens, there are some situations when one should simply enjoy the sighting and let others enjoy as well. A posting of proper etiquette, for both birdwatchers and photographers, may be in order. But common sense and consideration for others is a pretty basic guide. Rebecca Field On Sat, Nov 29, 2014 at 1:55 PM, Scott <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > As a bird photographer, I add my voice to Ken Vail in echoing his words of > caution to those who do not respect the space of these beautiful wild > birds. If you don't think it means you for some reason ("I had the > landowner's permission"), please rethink your behavior anyway. I've watched > many a person push the limits to get that better view or photo. I watch how > my positioning affects the wildlife and take the longer shot rather than > infringe on their comfort level. I rely on the mou-net network to help me > see amazing birds and thank you for your efforts. > > On 11/25/2014 7:14 PM, Ken Vail wrote: > >> Three Snowy Owls were still present this afternoon in the previously >> reported areas. I'm amazed at how quickly people respond to the posting. >> There were 3 vehicles of birders looking at the owls two hours after my >> original post. >> >> I was, however, horrified to see someone carrying his camera and tripod >> chasing the pure white owl across the field to get his "money" shot. When >> I last saw this owl it was 50 yards from the road; after the chase it was >> probably 500 yards. >> >> Reporting on these owls so that others may see these beautiful birds has >> been a labor of love for me the past few years but I am now considering >> keeping their presence to myself. >> >> Aside from the fact that he was probably trespassing (neighbors have >> called >> the police in the past rbecause of robberies in the area) he chased the >> owl >> hundreds of yards farther from the view of other birders who stayed on the >> road. Snowy Owls are relatively tame birds and with patience close-up >> shots are possible and easy. This is one owl that may not be so tame in >> the >> future. >> >> Ken Vail >> >> ---- >> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net >> Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >> >> >> > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > -- Becky http://www.RebeccaFieldPhotography.com 1729 North Farm Road Long Lake, MN 55356 (952) 473-2244 ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html