All,

While I love this on-going discussion about how we can all get along better … at least we are all still talking about it!

From a practical perspective … Is there an easily worded guideline we can all articulate and pledge to follow (or not)?  

Like … Never approach closer than 30 feet (if a bird approaches you it’s ok!) ?

I know for backpacking there is a “Leave No Trace” movement with 7 easily understood principles.  At least every one having the conversation is grounded in the same principles and we can have productive discussions.

In birding it seems like we just get mad a people who “bother” the birds … based on our own subjective understanding of what “bother” means to us.

So … is there an ABA or Photographers rule of thumb on this we can start advertising and talking about?  Or should we come up with one?  
 
Thanks!
Matt





> On Dec 1, 2014, at 8:57 AM, Haans Petruschke <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> There is always danger in lumping and splitting people into categories.
> Labeling is a difficult thing that can lead to misunderstanding.
> 
> Nature and wildlife photographers and birders and bird watchers run the
> full gamut of behavior and respect for the subject of their interest, so
> broad generalizations about any group is not a very good thing to do.
> Rather than lumping we should be doing more splitting when it comes to
> complaining about behavior.
> 
> Most important, if you see bad behavior that is disruptive have the courage
> to say something then and there to the people doing it, regardless of their
> primary activity.
> 
> Of course there is a considerable range in what is considered bad behavior
> and often there are multiple standards depending on how "special" the
> species is considered to be.
> That said, I hope we can all agree that chasing a bird until it repeatedly
> flushes to get a better look, or photo, is something that might prevent
> others from enjoying the bird and should be a good reason for intervention
> on behalf of those who will come later.
> 
> Haans
> 
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