The other day I may have taken some pretty good photographs of Greater Flamingos in flight but I would much have preferred it if they hadn’t taken off.
“In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.”
Robert Lynd 1879-1949
These photographs were the direct result of someone trying to get close to take a photograph. Not the first time we’ve observed this happen and I do understand the urge to photograph these amazing birds. However the other day the behaviour of one person in particular made me cross because they did it purposely twice, approaching and seeing off first one group and then another.
I know sometimes disturbing the birds cannot be avoided, but if you want to take photographs then can I make a small plea. Take a moment to think about how you appear and sound to them and watch the birds closely as you approach. If you notice they have stopped what they were doing, begun to move or are watching you, then you are already too close. At this point your options are to stop talking, to sit down, to hide behind a bush or best of all to back off and return another day with a better camera! If you continue to move towards them you will disturb them. At best your behaviour will simply spoil it for other birders, but at worst you could be impacting on the birds well-being. So please think before you step as I’d much prefer to still be observing the Flamingos than have these photographs.
Lovely images of these most elegant birds in flight though.The annoying person is probably more used to seeing and snapping birds in zoos! You have to wonder at the lack of common sense. It drives me crazy to see people ‘upping’ flocks of gulls on beaches too and even worse to allow their dogs to do it.
Oh I know. People seem to think it is funny 😕 still as you say the images are lovely.
Still beautiful and they didn’t disappear like the birds I want to photo!
They are stunning – they go after 2nd flight though. Just big enough to see!
Well said Becky!
Thank you 😊 now I just need to find a way to get the message up on signs around the saltpans!
There are ways to move in close. Take time and do it bit by bit. Stop and wait if you see agitation. Don’t move again until it looks like they’ve forgotten you. Don’t make sudden movements. If there are a group move together as one. It’s a pity that so many folks just dash forward.
I know! This person just kept going 😕
Selfish person.
You should have heard what I was muttering under my breath at the time!!
Gorgeous shots. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks Lucile – I was so grumpy at time especially as it happened again another day!!
I’m enjoying the photos now though 😊
I can imagine. Last year I visited a small island in Holland, which is a bird sanctuary. Bird lovers stay very quiet inside a cabin with all cameras and you can hardly hear anyone talking.
Photographing birds is an art.
It certainly is, also quite often serendipity!
Very true. I love watching them and dream of making a closer shot of a birds flock in the Dutch fields.
For now I’m only making simple shots of ducks, seagulls, great crested grebe, and swans, in the canal where I live…
Enjoy – it is fun and those birds are just as gorgeous as the rarer ones and large flocks 😊
Thanks, Becky. I will. And I hope the noisy people will be away from you. Have a nice weekend.