First, a Northern Cardinal nest was discover
Two recent events to add:
First, a Northern Cardinal nest was discovered, and a week ago Saturday, a jerk was holding his point-and-shoot about 36 inches away from the nest. The female never budged, just sat as quiet as she could, with a camera 36 inches away.
The nest was abandoned, as we monitored it over the next week. So, "distance" is not the key thing. Harassment sometimes can't be judged by distance since this female did not look disturbed, yet she abandoned the nest. That said, agitated behavior is still a sign you should back off.
Second, an air boat captain was caught (again and again) in a blatant disturbance of Snail Kite nests near Orlando. The Snail Kite is a federal endangered species. The captain of the air boat explained to the Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) that he would "gladly pay" the $75 fine, because he makes a lot of money spooking Snail Kite nests. He builds into his price structure that he will be fined $75 every time he takes a tour. The last I heard, the FWC was looking into if they have the right to strip him of his boat license since the fine is not stopping his behavior, but as it stands, he seeks out Snail Kite nests on every tour and hopes to find one that has not been abandoned by his previous disturbances.
So, as we all see, photographers, birders, boaters .... this list of groups who harm and harass birds is lengthy. I hope that this migration season in the Warbler Capitol that there is great enjoyment of the season but also has birders with a conscious who call out those who are harassing the birds and/or report harassment to authorities.
Nobody wants to paint a broad brush stroke on a group, but I will say this about air boats in Florida--they are a plague. I truly wish that northerners who visit Florida understood the great harm to species and habitat that occurs when they book an air boat ride.
For those who love wildlife, a discussion now and then about people's behavior and what to do about it is very, very healthy. Birds do not have a "bird advocate" among them that speaks up for them--they rely on people to do that for them.
Best wishes and enjoy the season.
Bob Stalnaker
Longwood, FL
On Wednesday, May 7, 2014 10:34 AM, Greg Pasek <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
What constitutes harassment? Is there a definitive distance that is
required per species when nesting or feeding? It all boils down change in
behavior. Each bird, like people, has its own personality and individual
tolerances. Birders and photographers need ony to apply some keen
observation and be willing to adjust our behavior based on how the bird is
reacting to our presence. 100 feet might be too close for one bird, while
10 feet might be just fine for another.
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