"While we could tell numerous stories of particular offenses and offenders
from recent years, we do not want to engage in finger-pointing at
individuals."
Understandable not wanting to publicly out individuals, but I think some
specifics examples of improper behavior witnessed, and the results of such,
would be helpful, especially to newcomers. While there are things that
serious experienced birders would never dream of doing, others often have
their own interpretations of the rules, even after reading the code of
birding ethics.
I've seen birders luring subjects with recorded bird calls, walking
off-trail to poke telephoto lenses into bird nests, etc. Often, efforts to
get the perfect wildlife photo makes people stupid and intrusive - whether
the subject is a bird, an alligator or a moose. Being specific about
undesirable behavior seen - and why it's undesirable - will not only serve
as a reminder to those on the hunt for a rarity, but also help others to be
better educators when among the clueless.
--
*Ann Cameron Siegal*
writer/photographer
siegalwriter@xxxxxxxxx
703-517-0860
