Saturday, 21 January 2017

Re: [Maine-birds] Great Gray Owl

Good afternoon,

I also saw the Great Gray Owl today at 12:30 to 1 o'clock. I'm glad this morning that Rob had considerate viewers. Unfortunately there were at least a dozen people there, out of their cars with their scopes standing to the side of the road and the bird was only about 50 feet from them. As we drove up the bird flew across the road and into the trees. I was not very pleased that people were so near the bird trying to take pictures. Some of the people started to follow into the woods. We returned at 3 but the bird wasn't seen afterward. 

I know not everyone is like this but it is frustrating to think that some are inconsiderate.

Linda Powell

On Jan 20, 2017 7:25 PM, rob speirs <rspeirs1@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello All,

I was privileged to view the Great Gray Owl, today, and wish to thank John Wyatt, who originally found the bird, for sharing..a good decision.

There was a fairly good size group of people viewing the bird and I was pleased to see a very well mannered bunch. No one, while I was there, tried to approach the bird for a "better shot". The bird moved once and did not appear in the least bit stressed.

Having said that, I would like to reiterate what John Wyatt suggested, relative to viewing the bird. John suggested that, when possible, view and photograph the bird from your vehicle. I noticed a number of people were doing just that. If there is a need to exit the vehicle, remain near it and take photos from there. Where a large group of birders gather, it is recommended that movement and conversation be kept to a minimum and at low volume. 

It is best not to approach the bird, but rather, view from afar. If your camera is not capable of getting that long shot, then so be it. Don't try to compensate by getting closer to the bird.  It gives you a great excuse to buy a new one. Start with the new "point and shoots" with unbelievable zooms. If you want to get rich selling high quality images of birds, go for a DSLR camera. I think there are three people in America actually making money at it.

Lastly, view the bird and move on...don't linger. The tendency is to hang around as the crowd gathers, building the numbers. I have been guilty of this myself, but more and more try to get in, view the bird, get the shot, and get out. Today, I was there no more than 10 minutes. That's my two cents.

See you in the field,

Rob
   

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